Tesla Roadster bookings open in India: price, variants and launch timeline

Key points:

• You pay for the reservation in two instalments

• Production starts in 2028

Tesla has shown its newest electric car, the Roadster, and one version of it can fly. You can now book the Roadster in India, but you will have to wait for it, because Tesla will only start building the car in 2028.

Tesla has shown its newest electric car, the roadster and one version of it can fly. You can now book the Roadster in India, but you will have to wait for it 

How the booking works

The booking amount is Rs. 50.06 lakh, and you pay it in two parts:

• First payment: You pay Rs. 5.01 lakh to start the booking. Tesla will refund this amount in full if you change your mind.

• Second payment: You pay the remaining Rs. 45.05 lakh within 10 days.

Tesla confirms your reservation only after you make both payments.

Two variants: Thrust and Rocket

Tesla will sell the Roadster in India in two variants.

Roadster Thrust: This variant seats two people. It uses cold-gas thrusters, but they don’t make it fly. They help the car go faster. Tesla says the Thrust goes from 0 to 100 kmph in under one second. If that’s true, it will beat the current record holder, the McMurtry Spéirling, which takes 1.4 seconds. It will also beat other fast cars such as:

• The 2025 Rimac Nevera R, at 1.7 seconds

• The Aspark Owl, at 1.8 seconds

Roadster Rocket: This variant seats one person, and it can fly. You can’t just walk in and buy one, though. Tesla will sell the Rocket only to buyers it invites.

What we know about the features

Tesla hasn’t shared the mechanical details of the Roadster yet. Reports say it will get these features:

• High downforce, which keeps the car pressed to the road at high speeds

• A steer-by-wire system

• A track mode that lowers the car and adds more downforce

• A body made from magnesium, titanium and carbon fibre

• Microsuede on the seats and dashboard

• Hidden headlights

Should you book now?

The Roadster could become one of the fastest cars in the world. Still, you’ll pay over Rs. 50 lakh up front, Tesla won’t start making the car until 2028, and the full specs aren’t out yet. If you’re a serious fan, you can lock in your spot now. Everyone else can wait for more details.

Stay tuned to Carbounty for the latest updates on the Tesla Roadster