Tesla Roadster: Features, Specs & Range
Base MSRP :
The Tesla Roadster is a planned all-electric sports car designed to combine hypercar-level acceleration, a removable glass roof, four-seat packaging, and significantly more driving range than most performance EVs.
It is aimed at collectors, Tesla enthusiasts, high-performance EV buyers, and drivers who want an electric alternative to exotic sports cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rimac, Porsche, and Lotus.
The second-generation Roadster is not currently in production. Tesla first revealed the prototype in November 2017 and originally targeted a 2020 launch, but production has been delayed several times. Tesla still accepts reservations and continues to advertise performance targets of 1.9 seconds from 0–60 mph, a top speed above 250 mph, and 620 miles of range.
Key Highlights
Market Status: Announced and available to reserve; not in production
Original Reveal: November 2017
Original Planned Launch: 2020
Body Type: Electric sports car / 2+2 coupe
Seating Capacity: 4, based on Tesla’s prototype description
Drivetrain: Planned all-wheel drive
Motor Layout: Three-motor concept
Claimed 0–60 MPH: 1.9 seconds
Claimed 0–100 MPH: 4.2 seconds
Claimed Quarter-Mile: 8.8 seconds
Claimed Top Speed: More than 250 mph
Claimed Range: 620 miles
Reservation Requirement: $5,000 initial payment plus $45,000 wire transfer within 10 days
Expected Base Price: Historically discussed around $200,000, but Tesla does not currently show a final purchase price on the reservation page
Best For: Collectors, Tesla enthusiasts, performance-EV buyers, and shoppers comfortable reserving a vehicle without a confirmed production date
Specifications
| Spec | Current Information |
| Brand | Tesla |
| Model | Roadster |
| Vehicle Type | Planned electric sports car |
| Body Style | 2-door coupe with removable glass roof |
| Market Status | Not yet in production |
| Original Reveal | 2017 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Seats | 4 claimed |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive planned |
| Motor Layout | Three electric motors announced |
| Transmission | Single-speed electric drive expected |
| Claimed 0–60 MPH | 1.9 seconds |
| Claimed 0–100 MPH | 4.2 seconds |
| Claimed Quarter-Mile | 8.8 seconds |
| Claimed Top Speed | More than 250 mph |
| Claimed Range | 620 miles |
| Reservation Payment | $50,000 total in the U.S. |
| Final Price | Not currently confirmed |
| Production Date | Not confirmed |
| Main Rivals | Rimac Nevera, Lotus Evija, Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, Maserati GranTurismo Folgore, future electric supercars |
Most Roadster figures currently available come from the 2017 prototype announcement. Tesla has not published a final production specification sheet covering battery capacity, dimensions, curb weight, charging speed, wheel sizes, cargo space, warranty, standard equipment, or certified EPA range.
About the Tesla Roadster
The Roadster name has an important place in Tesla’s history.
The original Tesla Roadster entered production in 2008. It used a Lotus Elise-based chassis and became Tesla’s first production vehicle. That car helped demonstrate that a battery-electric vehicle could offer sports-car performance and meaningful driving range.
Production of the first-generation Roadster ended in 2012.
Tesla revealed the second-generation Roadster in November 2017 during the Tesla Semi presentation. The prototype was presented as a 2+2 electric sports car that would outperform conventional supercars while offering enough range for long-distance travel.
Tesla announced several striking targets:
- 0–60 mph in 1.9 seconds
- 0–100 mph in 4.2 seconds
- Quarter-mile in 8.8 seconds
- Top speed above 250 mph
- Approximately 620 miles of range
- All-wheel drive
- Four seats
- Removable glass roof
Those figures were far beyond the performance of most production EVs available in 2017.
The Roadster was originally expected to enter production in 2020. Tesla later delayed it repeatedly, citing shifting development priorities, supply-chain constraints, and work on other vehicles and technologies.
In February 2024, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Tesla aimed to complete the production design and begin deliveries in 2025. That schedule was not achieved. Later announcements pointed toward another reveal or demonstration, but the timing moved again.
As of July 2026, Tesla’s website still presents the Roadster as a future product and accepts reservations, but Tesla has not published a confirmed production start or customer-delivery schedule.
Price & Reservation
Tesla’s U.S. Roadster reservation page does not currently provide a final vehicle price.
It requires:
| Reservation Stage | Payment |
| Initial Credit Card Payment | $5,000 |
| Wire Transfer Due Within 10 Days | $45,000 |
| Total Reservation Payment | $50,000 |
Tesla states that a reservation is not final until the wire transfer is received. The reservation page describes the payment as fully refundable, subject to the applicable reservation agreement.
Expected Price
When Tesla first revealed the second-generation Roadster, the company discussed:
- A base price around $200,000
- A Founders Series price around $250,000
Those historical figures should not be treated as confirmed current pricing.
The final price could change because of:
- Inflation since the 2017 reveal
- Revised battery and motor hardware
- Additional performance technology
- Low production volume
- SpaceX-related equipment, if offered
- New safety and regulatory requirements
- Material and manufacturing costs
- Changes in Tesla’s product strategy
Independent industry estimates continue to place the Roadster around the $200,000–$250,000 range, but Tesla has not confirmed a final current MSRP.
Should You Reserve One?
A reservation is most suitable for buyers who:
- Have strong confidence in Tesla eventually producing the car
- Can leave $50,000 tied up without affecting other plans
- Understand that specifications may change
- Accept that delivery order and timing are uncertain
- Have reviewed the refund terms
A reservation is not suitable for buyers who need:
- A guaranteed delivery date
- A fixed purchase price
- Final EPA-certified range
- Confirmed charging specifications
- Final warranty terms
- A completed production design
- Immediate access to a performance EV
Motors, Performance & Range
Tesla originally described the Roadster as using three electric motors, with one motor driving the front axle and two driving the rear.
This would provide all-wheel drive and allow the rear motors to control torque independently.
However, Tesla has not issued a final production powertrain specification. Motor output, battery capacity, torque, thermal-management hardware, charging architecture, and curb weight remain unconfirmed.
Announced Performance Targets
| Performance Measure | Tesla Claim |
| 0–60 MPH | 1.9 seconds |
| 0–100 MPH | 4.2 seconds |
| Quarter-Mile | 8.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | More than 250 mph |
| Driving Range | 620 miles |
Tesla describes the Roadster as an all-electric supercar designed around aerodynamic efficiency and record-setting performance.
These figures are not equivalent to verified production results because:
- The final car has not been released
- Independent instrumented tests are unavailable
- EPA range certification has not been published
- Final tires and wheels are unknown
- Final curb weight is unknown
- Acceleration measurement conditions are not specified in full
- Production battery and motor hardware may differ from the prototype
SpaceX Package
Elon Musk has repeatedly discussed an optional SpaceX package that could use cold-gas thrusters to improve acceleration, braking, cornering, or short-duration vehicle movement.
Reports have also referenced a target of under one second from 0–60 mph for a more extreme Roadster configuration.
Tesla has not published a production-ready technical description, price, regulatory status, safety framework, service requirements, or confirmed availability for this package.
Any SpaceX-thruster claims should therefore be treated as development concepts rather than confirmed customer specifications.
Possible unresolved questions include:
- Whether the system will be road legal
- How compressed gas would be stored
- How often the system would need refilling
- Whether rear seats would be removed
- How occupant and pedestrian safety would be handled
- Whether track-only restrictions would apply
- How much the package would cost
- Whether insurance providers would cover it
- Whether the feature would be available at launch
Driving Experience
No independent journalist, owner, or testing organization has driven a final production Roadster because the final production car has not been released.
The 2017 prototype demonstrated extremely strong low-speed acceleration during passenger rides, but those demonstrations did not provide enough information to judge:
- Steering feel
- Ride quality
- Brake performance
- Track endurance
- Thermal management
- Cabin noise
- Visibility
- Long-distance comfort
- High-speed stability
- Real-world charging
- Suspension calibration
- Tire wear
- Repeated-launch consistency
Expected Character
Based on the prototype and Tesla’s stated goals, the Roadster is expected to prioritize:
- Immediate electric acceleration
- Low aerodynamic drag
- High-speed stability
- Strong all-wheel-drive traction
- A low center of gravity
- Long driving range
- More everyday usability than a two-seat hypercar
Tesla has described the car as a four-seat sports car, although the rear seats are likely to be small and more suitable for children, luggage, or occasional short trips than regular adult use.
Range, Battery & Charging
Tesla claims 620 miles of range for the Roadster.
The original prototype presentation referred to a 200-kWh battery pack. Tesla has not confirmed whether the final production car will retain that capacity.
A 620-mile certified range would require a combination of:
- Large usable battery capacity
- Very low aerodynamic drag
- Efficient motors and inverters
- Low rolling resistance
- Careful thermal management
- Software-based energy control
- Moderate wheel and tire losses
Why the Final Range May Differ
The final range could be affected by:
- Performance tire selection
- Final curb weight
- Wheel diameter
- Battery chemistry
- Production aerodynamics
- High-speed driving
- Climate-control use
- Cold weather
- Track driving
- Final EPA testing procedures
Charging
Tesla has not published a final maximum DC charging rate or charging curve for the Roadster.
The production car would likely support Tesla’s North American Charging Standard and Supercharger network, but assumptions about voltage, maximum charging speed, battery preconditioning, and charging time should not be presented as confirmed facts.
A very large battery could provide excellent range but would also require strong charging hardware to keep road-trip stops reasonable.
Important unanswered charging questions include:
- Maximum DC charging rate
- Battery voltage
- 10–80% charging time
- Level 2 charging rate
- Onboard charger capacity
- Thermal preconditioning strategy
- Supercharger generation required for full speed
- Included home-charging equipment
0–60 MPH Acceleration
| Configuration | Claimed 0–60 MPH | Status |
| Standard Roadster Concept | 1.9 seconds | Tesla development target |
| Possible SpaceX Package | Under 1 second discussed | Not confirmed for production |
Tesla’s official Roadster page continues to advertise a 1.9-second 0–60 mph time.
When the car was revealed, that figure would have made it quicker than almost every production road car.
The performance market has moved since then. Vehicles such as the Rimac Nevera and high-performance Tesla Plaid models have demonstrated that sub-two-second acceleration is possible under controlled conditions.
The Roadster will therefore need more than one headline acceleration number to stand out when it reaches production. Repeatability, braking, cornering, heat control, charging, track endurance, and usable range will matter just as much.
Exterior Design & Practicality
The second-generation Roadster prototype uses a low, wide body with a smooth nose, short overhangs, large wheels, and a removable glass roof panel.
Its shape is intended to reduce aerodynamic drag while maintaining a recognizable sports-car profile.
Removable Glass Roof
Tesla says the lightweight glass roof can be removed and stored in the trunk.
This gives the Roadster an open-air driving experience without requiring a full folding convertible roof.
The final production design has not been shown in confirmed form, so roof storage, weather sealing, wind noise, weight, and ease of removal remain unknown.
Seating
Tesla describes the Roadster as a four-seat vehicle.
The rear seats appear compact and should be treated as occasional-use seats. The car is more accurately described as a 2+2 than a true four-adult grand tourer.
Cargo Space
Tesla has not published final cargo measurements.
The prototype was shown with a rear storage area and removable roof storage, but final trunk capacity and any front-trunk space remain unconfirmed.
Interior, Comfort & Technology
The concept interior uses a highly minimalist dashboard, a narrow steering control, a tall central display, and a low seating position.
Tesla has not released a final production cabin specification.
Expected technology may include:
- Tesla navigation
- Supercharger route planning
- Phone-key access
- Over-the-air software updates
- Digital climate controls
- Vehicle telemetry
- Performance modes
- Track-focused data
- Mobile-app controls
- Advanced driver-assistance hardware
- Premium audio
- Wireless connectivity
None of these should be assumed to be standard until Tesla publishes the final equipment list.
Comfort Questions Still Unanswered
A production review will need to assess:
- Seat comfort
- Entry and exit
- Rear-seat usability
- Visibility
- Cabin materials
- Storage
- Ride quality
- Heat management under the glass roof
- Road and tire noise
- Physical versus touchscreen controls
- Long-distance ergonomics
Dimensions & Practicality
Tesla has not released a final production dimensions sheet for the second-generation Roadster.
The prototype is visibly lower and wider than a Model 3 or Model S, but exact measurements remain unavailable.
| Measurement | Status |
| Length | Not officially confirmed |
| Width | Not officially confirmed |
| Height | Not officially confirmed |
| Wheelbase | Not officially confirmed |
| Ground Clearance | Not officially confirmed |
| Curb Weight | Not officially confirmed |
| Cargo Capacity | Not officially confirmed |
| Seating Capacity | 4 claimed |
| Roof Type | Removable glass panel |
Potential everyday compromises are likely to include:
- Low seating position
- Limited rear-seat room
- Reduced ground clearance
- Wide body
- Expensive performance tires
- Limited cargo compared with a sedan
- Difficult entry for some occupants
- Pothole and driveway clearance concerns
Safety Features & Ratings
The second-generation Tesla Roadster has no published NHTSA or IIHS crash-test rating because it is not a production vehicle.
Tesla has not released a complete list of production safety equipment.
Likely systems may include versions of:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane assistance
- Stability and traction control
- Driver monitoring
- Multiple airbags
- Parking cameras
- High-performance braking control
However, these features must be confirmed after Tesla publishes the production specification.
A low-volume high-performance car may not be selected for full independent crash testing, so structural information, regulatory certification, braking performance, tire capability, and restraint design will be important.
Safety disclaimer: For official crash-test ratings and safety evaluations, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety websites after the production Roadster is released.
Reliability & Ownership
No reliability record exists for the second-generation Roadster.
Ownership-cost estimates would currently be speculative because Tesla has not confirmed:
- Production hardware
- Battery design
- Motor configuration
- Air suspension or fixed suspension
- Tire sizes
- Brake system
- Warranty
- Service intervals
- Parts pricing
- Insurance classification
- Repair procedures
- Production volume
Likely Ownership Costs
A vehicle with this level of performance could involve high costs for:
- Tires
- Wheels
- Insurance
- Body repairs
- Glass
- Brakes
- Suspension components
- Battery cooling hardware
- Specialized service
- Transport to service facilities
Even if regenerative braking reduces normal brake wear, a car capable of more than 250 mph would require expensive tires, braking hardware, and careful inspection.
Warranty
Tesla has not published a Roadster-specific production warranty.
Buyers should not assume it will automatically receive the same battery and drive-unit coverage as the Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, Model 3, or Model Y.
The final warranty will need to specify:
- Basic vehicle coverage
- Battery and drive-unit term
- Capacity-retention guarantee
- Track-use exclusions
- Launch-control coverage
- SpaceX-package coverage, if offered
- Tire and wheel exclusions
- Transferability
- Roadside assistance
Pros and Cons
What Looks Promising
- Claimed 620-mile driving range
- Claimed 1.9-second 0–60 mph acceleration
- Targeted top speed above 250 mph
- Planned all-wheel drive
- Three-motor concept
- Four-seat 2+2 layout
- Removable glass roof
- Tesla charging and software ecosystem
- Potentially more usable than a two-seat hypercar
- Strong collector interest
- Important historical name for Tesla
What Concerns Us
- Not currently in production
- No confirmed launch date
- No final purchase price
- Repeated delays since the original 2020 target
- Specifications remain prototype claims
- No EPA-certified range
- No independent performance tests
- No confirmed charging rate
- No final dimensions or curb weight
- No crash-test results
- No confirmed warranty
- $50,000 reservation requirement
- SpaceX-package claims remain unverified
- Rival electric hypercars have already reached production
Should You Reserve or Buy the Tesla Roadster?
You should consider reserving the Tesla Roadster only if you are a committed collector or Tesla enthusiast who understands that the car’s price, specifications, delivery date, and final design remain uncertain.
The Roadster could become one of the fastest and longest-range electric sports cars if Tesla delivers the advertised targets.
However, most buyers should wait.
You should skip the reservation if you need a performance EV in the near future.
Consider the Rimac Nevera if you want a verified electric hypercar with independently tested performance.
Consider the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT if you want a high-performance EV that can be purchased and serviced now.
Consider the Lucid Air Sapphire if you want extreme acceleration with four-door practicality.
Consider the Tesla Model S Plaid if you want Tesla performance, charging access, and usable seating without waiting for the Roadster.
Consider the Lotus Emeya or Porsche Taycan if handling, cabin quality, and current availability matter more than Tesla’s claimed range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tesla Roadster available to buy?
No. The second-generation Roadster is not in production. Tesla currently accepts reservations, but it has not confirmed a final production or delivery date.
How much does the Tesla Roadster cost?
Tesla does not currently publish a final purchase price on the U.S. reservation page. Historical announcements discussed approximately $200,000 for the base car and $250,000 for a Founders Series version, but these figures are not confirmed current pricing.
How much is the Tesla Roadster reservation?
The U.S. reservation requires a $5,000 credit card payment and a $45,000 wire transfer within 10 days, for a total of $50,000.
Is the Tesla Roadster reservation refundable?
Tesla’s reservation page describes the payment as fully refundable. Buyers should still review the current reservation agreement before paying.
When will the Tesla Roadster be released?
Tesla has not confirmed a binding production or delivery date. The car was originally expected in 2020 and has been delayed several times.
What is the Tesla Roadster range?
Tesla claims approximately 620 miles of range. That figure has not been certified by the EPA for a production vehicle.
How fast is the Tesla Roadster?
Tesla claims 1.9 seconds from 0–60 mph, 4.2 seconds from 0–100 mph, an 8.8-second quarter-mile, and a top speed above 250 mph. These are development targets rather than verified production results.
Does the Tesla Roadster have four seats?
Tesla has described it as a four-seat sports car. The rear seats appear small and are likely better suited to occasional use.
Is the Tesla Roadster all-wheel drive?
Tesla announced a three-motor all-wheel-drive layout for the prototype. The final production system has not been confirmed in a complete specification sheet.
What is the SpaceX package?
The SpaceX package has been discussed as a possible optional system using cold-gas thrusters to improve performance. Tesla has not confirmed its final design, price, legality, or production availability.
Can the Tesla Roadster fly?
No production Tesla Roadster has demonstrated sustained flight. Statements about brief lifting, hovering, or thruster-assisted movement remain development claims rather than confirmed customer features.
How large is the Roadster battery?
Tesla referred to a 200-kWh battery during the original presentation. The final production battery capacity has not been confirmed.
How quickly will the Roadster charge?
Tesla has not published a final maximum charging rate or 10–80% charging time.
Does the Tesla Roadster have a removable roof?
The prototype has a removable glass roof panel designed to be stored in the car.
Is the Tesla Roadster safe?
No official production crash-test ratings are available because the second-generation Roadster has not entered production.
Is the Tesla Roadster worth reserving?
It may be worth reserving for committed collectors who accept the uncertainty. Most buyers should wait until Tesla confirms production, pricing, specifications, warranty terms, and deliveries.
Summary
The second-generation Tesla Roadster remains one of the most ambitious electric sports cars ever announced.
Tesla continues to advertise 1.9-second acceleration, a top speed above 250 mph, and 620 miles of range. It also continues to accept $50,000 reservations.
However, the Roadster is not currently a production car. Its final price, delivery date, battery, charging rate, dimensions, weight, equipment, safety ratings, and warranty remain unconfirmed.
That distinction matters. The Roadster should be treated as a future vehicle concept with an active reservation program, not as a currently available model with settled specifications.