Tesla’s Musk Shares Update on Roadster, Confirms Electric Van
So, how are things with the next-generation Tesla Roadster? Initially promised for last year, the electric sports car’s launch has been postponed a couple of times to allow the company to focus on other projects including the Cybertruck.
This week, following an earnings call and the surprise update to the Model S and Model X, CEO Elon Musk took to Twitter once again to share some new details on the Roadster.
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Finishing engineering this year, production starts next year. Aiming to have release candidate design drivable late summer. Tri-motor drive system & advanced battery work were important precursors.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2021
Apparently, a working pre-production model will hit the road this summer and development will be completed by the end of the year. Musk is also saying that production will begin sometime in 2022, without being more specific.
Will it really be the case? If not, nobody will be surprised. At least future customers now have an idea of what’s coming.
By the way, Canadians can already reserve a copy of the Tesla Roadster. An initial deposit of $6,000 by credit card is required, with a wire transfer of $58,000 due in 10 days. There’s also a highly exclusive Roadster Founders Series that demands a wire transfer of $316,000. Pocket change, really.
When it comes to performance, the four-seat, AWD-equipped sports car features three motors generating a combined 1,000 horsepower (similar to the new Model S Plaid) and allowing 0-96 km/h acceleration in 1.9 seconds. Top speed is rated at over 400 km/h and maximum range approaches 1,000 km. Of course, these previously stated numbers could change between now and the launch.
Tesla Van is Confirmed
Elon Musk has also confirmed that Tesla will make an electric van at some point, although it won’t come until the company can secure enough battery cell supply for production.
The idea of a vehicle for “high passenger-density urban transport” has been talked about for a few years now. It’s possible the recent introductions of the Ford E-Transit and GM’s BrightDrop EV600 have put more pressure on Musk and Tesla to work toward developing their own van.
Tesla is currently busy ramping up battery production globally, but it has previously mentioned that other battery manufacturers will be called upon to power its future vehicles.