That’s because a replacement is due in 2013. Yup. Tesla’s been doing so well selling these speedy electric vehicles to smug rich Americans and celebrities (what’s the difference?) that they’ve gotten the sales numbers and financial backing to sustain its business.

Anyway, Tesla will be halting production of the Tesla Roadster by next year. The Roadsters are based on the Lotus Elise and with Lotus’ retooling its factory, Tesla wouldn’t have anyone to build it. But fans shouldn’t be worried since a replacement is due by 2013.

Oh and with everyone going crazy about saving the planet, Tesla also landed a $465 million loan from the Department of Energy to spend on the development and production of the Model S sedan. So that should plug the gap to be left by the Roadster.

We could just hope that, with that kind of money, Tesla would find a way to reduce the charge time from hours, to say, five minutes.