The first Tesla Roadster didn’t just break. It rewrites the rules.
Debuting in 2008, it was the first mass-produced lithium-ion battery-powered electric car approved for use on US roads. It rides on the Lotus Elise platform. range? Almost 400 km. This was impressive at the time. Today, this is childish. The sedan lineup is overwhelmingly extensive. The first Roadster was launched into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
But Elon Musk never stops thinking about the next version.
In 2017, the goal was clear. It’s about creating a faster and more efficient four-seater vehicle. The maximum speed is about 400 km/h. There are 3 motors. One is in front. Removable glass roof. Musk recently tweeted that this is more than just a car. He calls it more than a car. People started asking what exactly this meant.
Now he answers. The answer has to do with rockets.
How SpaceX is changing everything
When Tesla completes this project, the Roadster will be unlike any electric car you’ve ever driven. It offers dragster-like performance. But that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a second.
It’s not just about battery torque. This is the driving force.
SpaceX builds 10 small rocket engines inside the fuselage. They are not here to show off. They help with acceleration. They help with braking. Helps keep the car close to corners. This is not a gadget. This is a fundamental change in the way cars are driven.
“If you could call this a car, there is no other car like it.”
Musk’s comments are not arrogant. This is a warning.
Schedule and price tag
The entire concept is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Pre-orders are expected to start in 2025.
Don’t rely on speed.
Mr. Musk has been optimistic. A delay of several years is normal. Remember Cybertruck? The Roadster was supposed to appear in 2020, but it never went on sale.
The original plans included 2,000 units. Half are special editions. price? $200,000.
This is trivial.
New ones cost much more. You pay for the rocket. You will be charged for 3 engines. You will likely pay for this item to leave the ground at high speed.
Is it still a car? Probably not. This is a rocket on wheels. If you want, wait. you pay for it.
