The Tesla first struck scaffolding outside 315 Madison Ave. just before 3 a.m., then continued east along East 42nd Street before coming to rest at the intersection of Second Avenue, according to authorities.
The passenger was pronounced dead. The driver was rushed to a hospital in critical condition.
Investigators spent the morning examining the wreckage and the crash scene on Manhattan's East Side. East 42nd Street remained closed west of Second Avenue as police continued their investigation.
Officials have not said what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Traffic cameras showed the heavily damaged Tesla at the intersection where the vehicle finally stopped after traveling several blocks following the initial collision. Police are continuing to investigate.