Tesla Roadster with cold gas thrusters faces regulatory hurdles and delayed timeline

Tesla has introduced a second-generation Roadster featuring cold gas thrusters and a multi-mode suction system that could briefly lift and rotate the vehicle. Elon Musk promoted the concept on X, but legal experts caution that flying-car functions face major regulatory hurdles. State-by-state road rules could delay any real-world rollout for drivers.

Tesla has presented a second-generation Roadster that includes cold gas thrusters and a suction system. The company said these parts can lift the car briefly and spin it mid-air. The reveal drew attention, but buyers may wait years. Elon Musks firm said consumer production is not expected until 2028.

Regulators may also slow any plan for a car that can jump off the ground. Legal experts said road rules and safety reviews would take time. “Im not sure every state is going to allow a driver in the middle of traffic to suddenly elevate himself and fly,\” said David Vladeck. \”There is going to be a long process to let anything like that on a road.\”

Tesla Roadster flying features and SpaceX technology

The Roadster demonstration took place at SpaceXs rocket testing and development centre in Texas. Tesla executives said some SpaceX technology helped the Roadster move into the air. Shortly after the event, Musk posted on X: \”Turns out the future does have flying cars.\” Tesla described the flight ability as short jumps and flips.

Tesla also outlined performance figures for the electric sports car. The company said the Roadster can go from zero to 60 miles, or 96.6 km, an hour in under a second. Tesla did not announce a purchase price during the event. The company also did not offer a firm delivery schedule.

Tesla Roadster reservations and delivery uncertainty

On Friday morning, Tesla was accepting Roadster reservations on its website. The fine print warned that delivery timing was not guaranteed. It also said delivery might not happen at all. Musk later stated that consumer production would not start before 2028. That timeline extends a rollout already delayed for years.

The Roadster news moved Teslas share price early on Friday. The stock rose in morning trading, then slipped later. The fall came during a wider sell-off in firms linked to artificial intelligence. Investors have tracked the Roadster project for years. The new showcase arrived after long anticipation.

Tesla Roadster criticism and doubts about public roads

Some experts questioned the value of the demonstration. \”This was a demonstration of a one-off car using a technology around for many years and will not be coming to public roads in 2028,\” said Bryant Walker Smith. Smith is a law professor at the University of South Carolina. Smith added that Tesla sells a future beyond current reality.

Musk has often argued that driving will become autonomous. Tesla has focused on self-driving tools for its vehicles. The company has also begun a robotaxi business with limited reach. Despite that focus, Tesla said the Roadster is designed for human drivers. Tesla described the model as the best of the last human-driven cars.

Musk said the Thursday demo used autonomy for safety during the presentation. \”Thursdays demo was technically autonomous to make sure we dont kill anyone,\” Musk noted. Musk also said the Roadster would later be the only Tesla model meant for manual driving. \”This is not necessarily a safety-optimized car,\” Musk later added. \”But it takes the fun meter to 11 out of 10.\”

The first Tesla Roadster went on sale in 2008. In 2018, Musk placed a Roadster on a rocket for a SpaceX launch. A mannequin called Starman sat in the drivers seat during the mission. The new Roadster, however, is not close to reaching showrooms. Questions remain over its effect on Teslas finances.

Teslas profits fell in second-quarter earnings reported over the summer. The company said higher research and development spending weighed on results. Spending rose for robotaxi and robotics work. Net income totalled USD 1.11 billion for the period. Revenue climbed to USD 28.24 billion, alongside a sharp rise in vehicle sales.

With inputs from PTI