GoKawiilHow AC Propulsion's tZero test drives helped spark Tesla's founding
In late 2003, Tesla cofounder Martin Eberhard borrowed AC Propulsion's tZero electric roadster from Alan Cocconi to demonstrate its performance to Silicon Valley investors, including a staged event at Buck's restaurant in Woodside. Eberhard would have VCs try to touch the dashboard as he floored the accelerator, showcasing acceleration so forceful that riders were pinned back in their seats, leaving some doubting the car was truly electric.