With Detroit unlikely to get bailed-out until at least 2009 much of the talk surrounding a possible collapse of the Big Three—GM, Ford, and Chrysler—is concentrated on millions of jobs, and even the entire U.S. auto industry “disappearing.” In the short-term both claims may hold some weight. However, in the long-run neither seems at all likely.

The question is: are upstart car makers better equipped to lead the U.S. auto industry into a more sustainable future? The workers who lose their jobs at the Big Three might quickly be absorbed by better run companies looking to fill the void and meet demand.

Electric cars are still widely regarded as “Jetsons” vehicles of the future, but guess what? We’re living in the space age. Here are a few models from small carmakers—mostly backed by the same venture capitalists who financed the internet revolution—looking to beat out the Big Three and foreign automakers and put an electric vehicle in your driveway. Some are currently available, while others will come out over the next year or so.

Keep in mind that there are also many upstarts outside the U.S. with similar potential. With the media focusing on the death of the U.S. auto industry I wanted to highlight the players that might bring it back to life. Remember, also, that the average American’s daily commute is only 30-40 miles, within the range of all of these vehicles. Finally, costs for all of these vehicles will be mitigated somewhat by tax breaks and savings from using electric power rather than gas. Let’s start with the ones that will make your jaw drop and your checks bounce, followed by some more practical options.

Today’s feature is the Sports Car:

Tesla Roadster
Price: $109,000
Range: 220 miles
Top Speed: 120 mph
Fuel: All-electric

Tesla is the rock star of electric car start-ups: when Roadster reservations became available George Clooney and other well-known personalities lined up to put down deposits. With a design resembling the Lotus Elise, the hand-made Roadster goes from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds and redlines at 14,000 rpm. It’s said to handle beautifully between 0 and 70 mph, but above 70 it struggles compared to your typical $100,000 sports car. (I know, boohoo…) Tesla also plans to release a luxury electric sedan ($60,000 range) in the near future, but has been delayed by the financial crisis. A recent $40 million round of debt financing should help get them back on track. Check out their website here.

Check back tomorrow for insight on electric commuter cars.