Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced another timeline for the long-awaited second-generation Roadster, promising an unveil “hopefully next month” for an April 2026 debut. Writing on X, the billionaire called the vehicle “a banger next-level.”
The announcement marks yet another delay for what’s become one of the most postponed vehicles in automotive history.
Tesla first showed the Roadster prototype in 2017 with production scheduled for 2020. That date shifted to 2022, then 2023, 2024, and most recently 2025 – before this latest push to 2026.
Frustrated Customers and Deposit Issues
Despite the continuous delays, Tesla collected deposits ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 for Founders’ Series models. Many customers who put money down nearly a decade ago report growing frustration with the company’s timeline changes.
Some deposit holders have encountered significant difficulties getting refunds after years of waiting.
The original Roadster launched in 2008 as one of the world’s first accessible performance EVs. It demonstrated that electric vehicles could deliver both excitement and practicality – helping establish Tesla’s reputation in the automotive world.
Performance Promises and New Technology
Musk has consistently promised the new Roadster will achieve sub-2-second acceleration from 0-60mph. Recent Tesla patents for “fan car” technology suggest the vehicle might use aerodynamic systems that create downforce by sucking the car to the road.
This ground-effect technology was famously banned from Formula 1 in 1978 due to safety concerns.
Tesla recently filed two new trademarks specifically for the Roadster and revealed a megacasted seat designed to handle extreme G-forces during acceleration and cornering.
Tesla’s Current Challenges
A new Roadster could provide much-needed momentum for Tesla, which has faced a difficult 2024. The company lost EV market share to competitors like Chinese manufacturer BYD and traditional automaker BMW.
Tesla also stopped production of its Model S and Model X to focus resources on developing Optimus humanoid robots.
This leaves only the Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV in Tesla’s current lineup. The Model 3 debuted in 2017, while the Model Y launched in 2022. Both received updates for the 2024 model year, but the aging platform architecture remains unchanged.
UK order books remain open for the new Tesla Roadster with a £4,000 deposit required.
