Image: Tesla
The new Tesla Roadster does not have a confirmed price yet. In the UK, Tesla is taking reservations for the Performance version at £50,000: £5,000 upfront and £45,000 within 10 days. Tesla revealed the car on 15 October 2026, and production starts in 2028. The UK car will be left hand drive only.
How much is the Tesla Roadster?
Tesla has not announced a final price for the new Roadster in the UK or any other market. What Tesla has confirmed is the cost of reserving one.
Tesla Roadster UK reservation price
Reserving a Performance version in the UK costs £50,000. You pay £5,000 upfront, which is fully refundable, and £45,000 within 10 days. Tesla cancels the reservation if the second payment isn’t made on time.
What did Tesla say the Roadster would cost in 2017?
The 2017 prototype was quoted from $200,000. Tesla has not confirmed that figure for the redesigned car, and the specs have changed significantly since. Treat it as a historical marker, not a price guide.
Thrust and Rocket pricing
Reserving a Thrust version in the UK costs £250,000: £5,000 upfront and £245,000 within 10 days. Tesla limits it to one per customer. The Rocket version is invite only, and Tesla has not published its price.
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Illustrative monthly prices based on a £55,000 salary, a 48 month term, 5,000 miles a year and no upfront payment. Used prices show the lowest available price. Includes insurance, maintenance and servicing. Your price and saving depend on your salary and tax position. Prices correct on 20/10/2026.
Tesla Roadster Kick Flip
Tesla Roadster vs The Ramp
What is the Tesla Roadster?
The Tesla Roadster is Tesla’s electric sports car. The original Roadster launched in 2008 and was Tesla’s first car. Tesla showed a second generation prototype in November 2017 and promised production in 2020, then delayed it several times.
The 2026 reveal is the first time Tesla has shown the production design and confirmed the versions it plans to sell. Tesla calls the new Roadster “the last, best driver’s car.”
Tesla Roadster versions and specs
| Version | Built for | Seats | 0 to 60mph | What it adds | UK reservation | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Road | 2 | Under 1.6 seconds | Active aero and suction fans | £50,000 £5,000 upfront (refundable), £45,000 within 10 days |
By reservation |
| Thrust | Race | 2 | Under 1 second | Rear cold gas thrusters | £250,000 £5,000 upfront (refundable), £245,000 within 10 days |
Limited release |
| Rocket | Air | 1 | Under 0.59 seconds | Thrusters around the car, over 230mph | Not published | Invite only, not approved for public roads |
Performance figures are Tesla's launch claims. Reservation amounts from Tesla UK, 20 October 2026. Final prices have not been announced.
Tesla describes Thrust and Rocket as upgrades built on the Performance car. Tesla quotes over 300 miles of range but has not named the test cycle, so a UK WLTP figure may differ. In the reveal demonstration, the car reached 60mph in 0.81 seconds.
The Performance version is the one most buyers would actually drive.
How the Tesla Roadster has changed since 2017
Unlike the 2017 prototype, the production Roadster trades range and seats for acceleration.
| Specification | 2017 promise | 2026 reveal |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 620 miles | Over 300 miles |
| Seats | Four (2+2) | Two at most |
| Top speed | Over 250mph | Over 230mph (Rocket) |
| 0 to 60mph | 1.9 seconds | Under 1.6 seconds (Performance) |
Buyers who reserved on the 2017 specs are getting a faster car, but one with half the range and half the seats.
Image: Tesla
Tesla Roadster design and interior
The new Roadster follows the angular design language of the Cybertruck and Cybercab. Tesla lists concealed headlights, a full length rear light, flush surfaces and super light wheels with thin spokes. Tesla says the design takes inspiration from the SR 71 and F 35 aircraft.
The launch paint, Ano White, is an aerospace finish. Tesla says it offers UV and cryogenic protection, electrostatic dissipation and corrosion resistance. The glass has a gold tint inspired by spacesuit visors, with titanium accents.
Inside, there’s a yoke for steer by wire, a centre touchscreen and two small displays in front of the driver. The Ultrawhite cabin has grey microsuede detailing and seat bolsters for grip. The seat position is fixed and controls are manual to save weight, with magnesium, titanium and carbon fibre throughout.
How the Roadster’s cold gas thrusters work
The thrusters use technology developed with SpaceX. Tesla says the system uses 10 thrusters connected to 600 litres of compressed air, and the tank can be recharged. All electric actuators make micro adjustments in a fraction of a second to keep the car stable in flight.
A multi mode fan and ground sealing system pulls air from under the car. Tesla says it creates enough suction to hold the car upside down while stationary. Powered fans and active wings generate downforce even at zero speed.
Tesla claims the thrusters produce four to five times the force the tyres can transmit. All performance and flight figures remain Tesla’s claims until customer cars are tested.
Tesla says the Roadster’s fan and ground sealing system can hold the car upside down while stationary. A British car got there first. McMurtry Automotive’s Spéirling, a single seat track car, drove upside down in April 2025 using fan suction.
The difference is the road. The Spéirling is track only, while Tesla plans to bring the same idea to a road going car.
Can the Tesla Roadster actually fly? How high?
Tesla says the Rocket Roadster can fly. Test it on a UK motorway. Press space, or tap the screen, to fire the thrusters and clear the traffic. It gets faster the longer you last.
Ready to take off?
Space or tap to jump. Hold for a higher, longer flight.
You crashed
The real Roadster's thrusters are not approved for public roads. Please don't try this on the M25.
The Rocket version can briefly leave the ground. Tesla describes it as air ready, with thrusters around the edge of the car for forward, upward and rotational movement. At the Waco demonstration, the car drove up an inverted ramp, flipped and landed, and jumped over other Tesla models. Tesla has not published how high, how far or how long the car flew.
The demonstration showed short, controlled manoeuvres, not sustained flight. A car that can jump is not the same as a flying car that can replace a journey. Tesla would need to show repeatable, safe performance outside a staged event before that claim holds.
Nobody was inside the car during the flight demonstration, according to Carwow. The 0.81 second 0 to 60mph run used a one foot rollout, according to Autocar. That means the timer started after the car had already moved a foot.
Is the Tesla Roadster coming to the UK?
Yes. Tesla is taking UK reservations for the Roadster now, with production starting in 2028. Tesla says the UK car will be left hand drive only. The Rocket version is not available in all regions, and Tesla has not published UK delivery dates.
Watch Tesla’s October Roadster Event
Can you get a Tesla Roadster on salary sacrifice?
Salary sacrifice lets employees pay for an electric car from their gross salary, before Income Tax and National Insurance. It can save up to 50% compared to leasing the same car privately. Your actual saving depends on your salary, tax position and the car you choose. Learn more about how salary sacrifice works here.
The Roadster isn’t available through salary sacrifice today. Reserving directly with Tesla is a purchase route, while salary sacrifice works through a lease provider. The Roadster’s left hand drive only status in the UK may also limit which lease providers offer it.
If the Roadster does become available to lease, BiK tax would apply to its list price. Electric car BiK is 4% in 2026/27, 5% in 2027/28, 7% in 2028/29 and 9% in 2029/30. A six figure list price means a higher BiK bill, even at these low rates. Calculate how much you can save with salary sacrifice and low BiK here.
Insurance is another open question. Standard motor insurance covers driving on the road, so thruster use and airborne manoeuvres may fall outside normal cover.
Can't wait for the Roadster? Here are some other premium electric cars
The Tesla Roadster arrives in 2028. These premium electric cars are available through salary sacrifice with The Electric Car Scheme today, with insurance, maintenance and servicing included.
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Illustrative monthly prices for new cars, based on a £55,000 salary, a 48 month term, 5,000 miles a year and no upfront payment. Includes insurance, maintenance and servicing. Your price and saving depend on your salary and tax position. Prices correct on 20/10/2026.
Tesla Roadster FAQs
When is the Tesla Roadster release date?
Elon Musk says Tesla will start building the Roadster in 2028. Tesla has not confirmed delivery dates for the UK or any other market.
Can the Tesla Roadster fly?
The Rocket version can make brief, controlled flights using cold gas thrusters. Tesla has not published flight height, distance or duration. The Rocket version is invite only and not approved for public roads.
How fast is the new Tesla Roadster?
The road going Performance version claims 0 to 60mph in under 1.6 seconds. The invite only Rocket version claims under 0.59 seconds and a top speed of over 230mph. In the reveal demonstration, the car reached 60mph in 0.81 seconds.
How much will the Tesla Roadster cost in the UK?
Tesla has not announced a final UK price. Reserving a Performance version costs £50,000: £5,000 upfront and £45,000 within 10 days.
What is the Tesla Roadster’s range?
Tesla quotes over 300 miles. That’s around half the 620 miles Tesla promised in 2017.
Is the Tesla Roadster road legal?
Tesla describes the Performance version as road ready, subject to each region’s laws. It calls the Thrust version race ready without confirming road use. Tesla says the Rocket version is not approved for public roads.
Would you need a special licence to use the Roadster’s thrusters?
Tesla has not announced any licence, training or insurance requirements for the thrusters. In the UK, this would depend on how road and aviation regulators classify the car. Owning a Roadster would not automatically mean you could use the thrusters on public roads.
Can I get a Tesla through salary sacrifice?
Yes. The Electric Car Scheme offers current Tesla models, including the Model 3 and Model Y, through salary sacrifice. The Roadster could be added if Tesla confirms UK availability and lease pricing.
Will the Tesla Roadster be right hand drive?
No. Tesla’s UK website says the Roadster will be available as a left hand drive vehicle only.
The bottom line
Tesla says the new Roadster is the quickest car it has built. In the UK, it costs £50,000 just to reserve, it arrives in 2028 as a left hand drive car only, and it still has no final price. For drivers who want a Tesla now, salary sacrifice on a Model 3 or Model Y means no deposit and no two year wait.
Last updated: 21/10/2026
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Last updated: 21/10/2026
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
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