Tesla’s redesigned Roadster has drawn attention after a demonstration at SpaceX’s testing facility in McGregor, Texas, on October 15, showed the electric sports car briefly leaving the ground and landing safely using rocket-style thrusters. The vehicle was also shown jumping over other cars after driving up an inverted ramp.
The demonstration has fuelled interest in Tesla’s flying-car ambitions, but several questions remain unanswered. The company has not confirmed how high or far the Roadster can travel through the air, how long it can remain airborne, or how much the final production model will cost.
How high and far can the Tesla Roadster fly?
Tesla has not released verified figures for the vehicle’s flight altitude, horizontal distance or time spent in the air. Reports described a short aerial manoeuvre rather than sustained flight.
One report placed the vehicle at approximately 21 metres above the ground during the ramp manoeuvre. However, this refers to its position on the ramp and is not a confirmed measurement of its free-flight altitude.
The demonstration, therefore, does not establish whether the Roadster can remain airborne for an extended period or travel significant distances without touching the ground.
What licences and insurance could owners need?
Tesla has not outlined the licensing, training or insurance requirements for operating the Roadster’s thrusters. These would depend on the final design and how regulators classify the vehicle’s airborne capabilities.
Conventional road use could fall under existing motor vehicle rules, but using the vehicle as an aircraft could bring additional aviation regulations into play.
Insurance is another unresolved issue, as standard motor policies may not cover damage or injuries caused by airborne manoeuvres. In India, owners would have to comply with applicable Indian motor vehicle, aviation and safety regulations.
How much will the redesigned Roadster cost?
Tesla has yet to announce the final price of the redesigned model. When the second-generation Roadster was unveiled in 2017, the company quoted a starting price of $200,000. That figure is not a confirmed price for the upcoming version.
Reports citing Tesla’s reservation listings have mentioned deposits of $50,000 for the Performance version and $250,000 for the Thrust version. The Rocket version, described as a single-seater with a more ambitious flight system, has no confirmed final price.
Tesla has indicated a production timeline of 2028, although this does not guarantee deliveries will begin as scheduled.
Can rocket-style thrusters be used safely on roads?
The proposed system uses cold-gas thrusters developed with SpaceX’s involvement. Instead of burning rocket fuel, these systems generate thrust by releasing pressurised gas.
However, practical use would depend on several factors, including the supply of pressurised gas, system weight, reliability and safety controls. Unexpected thrust or a mechanical failure could pose serious risks, particularly in traffic.
Regulators would also need to address vehicle certification, airspace use and liability in the event of an accident.
Is the Roadster a practical flying car?
The demonstration showed that the vehicle could briefly leave the ground, but it did not establish a sustained flight range or a reliable system for routine take-offs and landings.
Until Tesla releases further technical details and the vehicle undergoes independent testing, its ability to function as a practical flying car remains unproven.