Tesla CEO Elon Musk has claimed his company’s much-anticipated Roadster electric vehicle (EV) will be able to go from zero to 60 miles per hour in under a second, accelerating faster than some cars that are not even legal on the roads. Musk claims that “there will never be another car like this,” and predicts the technology it utilizes could make for “the most mind-blowing product demo of all time.”
“New Tesla Roadster will exceed all gas sports cars in every way,” Musk posted on the social media platform X. “You will love the new Roadster more than your house.”
The Roadster has been a long time in the making. Following the release of an initial model back in 2008, Tesla announced plans for a successor in 2017, but the journey from announcement to production has been marked by delays. Initially slated for production in 2020, that timeline was pushed back to 2022, then again to 2023.
The Roadster still has not hit the market yet. Despite the delays, Musk asserts that the production design is “complete” and plans to unveil the new model by the end of 2024, with shipments projected to commence in 2025.
According to Tesla, the Roadster has a range of 620 miles on a single charge — more than double that of an average electric vehicle battery. Additionally, it can reportedly reach a top speed exceeding 250 miles per hour, surpassing the capabilities of most EVs, which typically top out at 150 miles per hour.
Musk has also revealed that technology from the billionaire’s other business ventures could be used within the Roadster, saying he sees the product as a “Tesla/SpaceX” collaboration. According to the Tesla CEO, this will open up the car to “revolutionary possibilities,” which may include the ability to “fly short hops.”
“SpaceX option package for new Tesla Roadster will include 10 small rocket thrusters arranged seamlessly around car,” Musk said. “These rocket engines dramatically improve acceleration, top speed, braking and cornering. Maybe they will even allow a Tesla to fly.”
Tesla is currently accepting reservations for the vehicle at $50,000 each, with the expectation that models will ultimately retail for as much as $250,000. However, questions still remain over whether the company will stay true to hitting its latest goal for the Roadster’s release.
