Tesla Roadster Guide: Price, Specs and Release Date Status

Tesla has finally unveiled its next-generation Roadster, and it’s a very different car from the one originally announced in 2017. The new electric supercar comes in three versions, including one that can actually lift off the ground using SpaceX-inspired thrusters.

Following its October 15 reveal in Texas, Tesla is accepting reservations for the Roadster in the United States, Canada and several European markets. Production is expected to begin in 2028, although there is no confirmed customer delivery date.

There are three configurations to consider: Performance, Thrust and Rocket. Each offers a different level of performance, and the most expensive model is not intended for normal road use.

Here’s what buyers need to know about pricing, deposits, specifications and which Roadster makes the most sense.

Roadster at a Glance

Tesla Roadster Prices in the U.S., Canada and Europe

Tesla has opened reservations for the Roadster, but it has not announced final selling prices for the new models. The amounts currently displayed are reservation deposits, not the total cost of purchasing the vehicle.

Here’s how the published reservation amounts compare across markets as of October 16, 2026.

These are reservation amounts, not vehicle prices. European figures are based on markets listing euro-denominated reservations. Local availability and payment terms can differ.

In Canada, reserving the Performance model requires an initial $7,000 CAD payment, followed by another $63,000 CAD within 10 days. That’s $70,000 CAD to hold a reservation.

The initial payment is listed as fully refundable. Tesla says reservations are not final until payment is received and can be cancelled if the remaining payment is not completed within 10 days. Its terms also state that refunds for modifications will not be issued.

Buyers should read the complete reservation agreement before transferring funds and confirm the cancellation and refund conditions that apply to their order.

The U.S. Performance reservation is $50,000 USD, while customers in euro-denominated markets such as Germany and Spain are being asked for €50,000.

The Thrust reservation is considerably higher at $250,000 USD, $350,000 CAD or €250,000. Again, those figures are not confirmed purchase prices.

Check the latest details on Tesla’s official Roadster website or the Canadian reservation page.

Tesla Roadster Performance vs. Thrust vs. Rocket

Tesla is offering three different versions of the Roadster. All are designed around extreme performance, but there are important differences in acceleration, propulsion and road legality.

Acceleration figures are Tesla’s announced targets, not independently verified production-car test results. Road legality and availability may depend on local regulations.

Roadster Performance

The Performance is the entry point to the new Roadster lineup, although there’s nothing ordinary about its specifications.

Tesla says the two-seat electric supercar can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 1.6 seconds. It features active aerodynamics and a multi-mode suction system designed to improve grip and handling.

Unlike the Thrust and Rocket versions, the Performance does not have the additional propulsion thrusters.

Our pick: The Performance makes the most sense for buyers who want a Roadster they can actually drive on public roads. It offers more performance than most drivers will ever need without the added complexity of a rocket-assisted model.

Roadster Thrust

The Thrust builds on the Performance model by adding a rocket-assisted acceleration system.

Tesla says the additional thrusters can bring acceleration from 0 to 60 mph below 0.9 seconds. It retains two seats and the Performance model’s active aerodynamic and suction systems.

The Thrust is intended for buyers focused on maximum acceleration and track performance. However, its much higher reservation requirement makes it a significantly bigger financial commitment.

Buyers should also confirm where the thruster system can legally be operated, since road approval for a vehicle does not necessarily mean every performance feature can be used on public roads.

Roadster Rocket

The Rocket is Tesla’s most extreme Roadster and the version that attracted the most attention during the unveiling.

It combines the Performance and Thrust features with a full propulsion system capable of lifting the vehicle into the air.

Unlike the other two models, the Rocket has only one seat. Tesla is offering it by invitation only, and it is not approved for public road use.

This is not a conventional sports car purchase. The Rocket is better understood as a specialized vehicle demonstrating what Tesla and SpaceX can accomplish with electric propulsion and aerospace technology.

Tesla Roadster Range, Acceleration and Specifications

The new Roadster’s headline specifications are considerably different from the figures Tesla originally advertised when the second-generation model was announced in 2017.

Tesla is now targeting more than 300 miles (483 km) of range, with a top speed exceeding 230 mph (370 km/h).

The range figure is an announced target, not a final certified EPA or WLTP rating. Battery capacity, charging power and final efficiency figures have not been confirmed for customer vehicles.

Buyers should also avoid relying on the original Roadster’s advertised 620-mile range or four-seat layout. Those figures came from the earlier concept and are not the specifications Tesla presented for the redesigned vehicle.

Can the Tesla Roadster Really Fly?

Yes, Tesla demonstrated a Roadster lifting off the ground during its October 15 unveiling at a SpaceX facility in Texas.

The demonstration showed a prototype using cold-gas thrusters to perform aerial manoeuvres, including rising above other Tesla vehicles and turning in mid-air.

The system uses stored high-pressure gas to create thrust rather than conventional rocket fuel. Tesla and SpaceX developed the technology to produce rapid acceleration and additional movement beyond what tires alone can provide.

The demonstration also showed how the vehicle’s suction system could generate enough downforce for unusual driving manoeuvres.

However, the Roadster’s demonstrated ability to briefly lift off and manoeuvre in the air should not be confused with the capabilities of an aircraft designed for sustained flight.

There are also significant regulatory questions. The Rocket version is not approved for public roads, and buyers should not assume the flight system will be legal to operate wherever they live.

Roadster Interior, Seating and Practicality

Tesla has taken a stripped-down approach to the Roadster’s interior, prioritizing weight savings and performance.

The redesigned cabin features a yoke-style steering wheel, two seats mounted into the chassis and a driver-focused layout.

The Rocket reduces seating to a single occupant to accommodate its additional hardware.

The design also draws inspiration from military aircraft, including the SR-71 Blackbird and F-35 fighter jet.

This makes the Roadster very different from a Model 3 or Model Y. It is designed primarily as a high-performance sports car rather than a practical daily driver.

Before making a reservation, buyers should consider seating access, luggage space, visibility and comfort. Tesla has not yet published complete production interior dimensions or cargo specifications.

Charging, Warranty and Ownership Costs

The Roadster is fully electric, but Tesla has not announced all the charging specifications for the new production model.

Important details still to be confirmed include the battery capacity, maximum DC fast-charging rate, home charging requirements and charging time.

Buyers should also budget for expenses beyond the vehicle’s purchase price.

• Insurance: Get a quote for the specific Roadster version once insurers have enough information to price coverage.
• Tires: Extreme acceleration and high-performance driving could result in substantial tire replacement costs.
• Maintenance: Confirm service requirements for active aerodynamics, suction hardware and any thruster-equipped model.
• Charging: Check whether your existing home charging equipment will meet the vehicle’s requirements.
• Warranty: Tesla has not yet confirmed complete warranty coverage for the redesigned Roadster.
• Taxes and fees: Final costs will depend on the purchase price and applicable taxes in each market.

For Canadian buyers, luxury vehicle taxes and provincial sales taxes could add substantially to the final cost. The exact impact cannot be calculated until Tesla announces the selling price.

The Thrust and Rocket versions may also introduce specialized service and insurance requirements that do not apply to Tesla’s mainstream electric vehicles.

When Will Tesla Roadster Production and Deliveries Begin?

Tesla says production of the new Roadster is expected to begin in 2028.

That is separate from customer deliveries, which do not have a confirmed start date in the United States, Canada or Europe.

The second-generation Roadster was originally unveiled in 2017, with Tesla initially targeting production years earlier than the current schedule.

After several delays, the redesigned car was finally shown during the October 15, 2026 event in Texas.

For buyers making reservations today, the key dates to watch are the start of production, final vehicle pricing, regulatory approvals and confirmed delivery schedules.

Until Tesla publishes those details, buyers should not assume that a reservation guarantees delivery in 2028.

Which Tesla Roadster Should You Buy?

Our recommendation is the Performance model for most prospective Roadster buyers.

It offers the extreme acceleration, low-slung sports car design and advanced aerodynamic technology that make the Roadster appealing in the first place.

The Thrust is worth considering if maximum acceleration and track driving are your main priorities, but the higher reservation amount and specialized hardware make it a less straightforward purchase.

The Rocket is in a category of its own. With one seat, a full flight system and invitation-only availability, it is not a realistic alternative to the road-ready models for most buyers.

There’s also a bigger question: should you reserve one now or wait?

With final pricing unknown and production still targeted for 2028, waiting makes sense if you need certainty about costs and delivery timing.

Reserving now may appeal to buyers who want to secure a place in line and are comfortable committing significant funds under Tesla’s reservation terms.

If you need a vehicle sooner, our Tesla Model 3 buying guide, Model Y buying guide and Cybertruck buying guide cover vehicles with established purchase options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How We Put This Guide Together

Ready to learn more? Visit the official Tesla Roadster page to check current availability, reservation terms and specifications.