No gas, just plug in: an all-electric car powered by Google

Hybrids are all the rage these days in automotive circles, their manufacturers pursuing efforts to make the scene more green.

It’s the product of a Silicon Valley startup, a company named for the unknown father of electricity, Nikola Tesla.

The Tesla Roadster plugs into a wall outlet to recharge, and its battery can carry you up to 250 miles. The company, Tesla Motors, says that the car can reach 60 mph in just four seconds and that acceleration, braking, and otherwise handling resemble that found in high-end sports cars. The car won’t be the first to beat a Porsche on the road, but it may be the first full-electric production vehicle to do so.

The official unveiling will take place in Santa Monica, Calif., on July 12. You can sign up then to get your Roadster. No word yet on how much it will cost, although its makers promise that the prices as well will compare with high-end sports cars.

The often secret startup has attracted US$40 million in venture capital, including investments from some bigshots at both Google and eBay.