Electric automaker Tesla Motors recalling some Roadster models over potential fire hazards

Tesla Motors recalling Roadster over fire concerns

WASHINGTON — Electric carmaker Tesla Motors said Friday it was recalling 439 Roadsters from the 2010 model year to address potential fire hazards connected to battery cables.

The government’s auto safety agency said the recall involves Roadster 2.0 and 2.5 vehicles with a 12-volt auxiliary cable. The cable may be routed improperly, and that could cause the wire to become exposed.

Contact between the bare wire and carbon fiber could lead to a short-circuit and a fire in the right front head lamp area, according to a notice by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Roadster is the only vehicle currently sold by the Palo Alto, Calif., luxury automaker. The two-seater electric sports car costs more than $100,000 and plugs into a conventional outlet for recharging. The company has sold about 1,300 Roadsters in at least 30 countries.

The automaker plans to introduce its next-generation electric sedan, the Model S, by 2012, and is working with Toyota Motor Corp. to develop an electric version of Toyota’s RAV4 small crossover vehicle.

As part of the recall, Tesla will check the routing of the cable and install a protective sleeve over the wire free of charge. Owners can call the company at 877-888-3752.

Online:

Tesla Motors: www.teslamotors.com

NHTSA: www.nhtsa.gov/