New Tesla Roadster launch delayed to 2023

Production of the much-anticipated Tesla Roadster will be pushed back to 2023, meaning it will now be launched six years after its initial 2017 reveal. The news was confirmed by founder Elon Musk at Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting, where he attributed the delay to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and issues with parts supply.

• Parts supply issues and effects of pandemic further delays production
• Originally expected to go into production in 2020

The Roadster, which was set to return in its second generation, was previously delayed due to the development of the firm’s new tri-motor powertrain and advanced battery technology, which are set to make their debuts in new Tesla sedan and SUV models.

Musk added that Tesla’s Cybertruck would also go into production in 2023. “Most likely what we’ll see is Cybertruck production in the next year and then reach volume production in 2023,” he said.

“Hopefully by then we can be producing the Semi [truck] and the new Roadster as well. We should be through our severe supply chain shortages in 2023. I’m optimistic that will be the case,” he added.

The Roadster was due to touch down abroad in 2020, with production later moved back until after the firm had finished construction of its Berlin gigafactory (which has now been completed).

Prices for the first 1,000 units, sold as Founders Editions, are still expected to start from $250,000 (about Rs 1.88 crore, before tax) with subsequent units expected to be priced from $200,000 (Rs 1.51 crore).

Tesla claims the Roadster will offer a 0-96kph time of 1.9sec with 1,000Nm of torque, similar to that claimed for the Model S Plaid. The model is also touted to reach 160kph in 4.2sec and achieve a quarter-mile sprint in 8.9sec.

The Roadster isn’t the first Tesla model to be struck with delays. The Model 3 sedan suffered production setbacks and the firm’s Semi lorry, now also due to go into production in 2023, didn't hit roads as planned last year.

Tesla models for India

It was late last year when Tesla’s official entry into India was announced.The company then set up a registered office in Bengaluru in the following months. The carmaker is expected to initially import its cars as CBU models with the Model 3 and Model Y, both of which have been spied testing on our roads, are expected to be the carmaker’s first models here.