Tesla Roadster electric car confirmed for April 2026 debut
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Elon Musk says it could “fly”, but can it finally deliver?
The Tesla Roadster is one of the most significant models in electric vehicle history. The original Roadster, launched in 2008, was Tesla’s very first car and the one that put the all-electric automaker on the map. Even if most Model S and Model X drivers don’t remember it, that car laid the foundations for what Tesla is today.
Now, more than fifteen years later, Tesla is bringing the Roadster name back. Originally slated for a 2021 return, the second-generation Roadster has faced several delays but is finally preparing for its production debut. The new model aims to take everything that made the first one special and push it far further — adding two small rear seats, significantly more driving range, and a higher level of performance than any electric sports car before it.
A new chapter for the Tesla Roadster
Tesla CEO Elon Musk first unveiled the second-generation Roadster concept back in 2017, boasting performance figures that were almost unbelievable: a 1.9-second 0–60 mph time and a top speed of over 250 mph. Those numbers alone positioned the Roadster as a future benchmark for electric performance.
More recently, Musk has hinted that the production version could go even further, claiming that the car might accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under one second. While that remains to be seen, the upcoming April 2026 demo event is expected to provide the first real-world demonstration of what Tesla’s latest technology can achieve.
Tesla has confirmed that production will follow within 12 to 18 months after the event, meaning first deliveries could arrive as early as 2027.
What’s New for the Tesla Roadster 2026
The 2026 Roadster will reintroduce the nameplate that started Tesla’s journey in 2008, this time with a completely reimagined design and cutting-edge technology. The new car will feature a removable glass roof, seating for four, and a focus on aerodynamics, allowing it to maximise both efficiency and top-end performance.
Tesla says the 200 kWh battery will deliver up to 620 miles of range on a single charge, one of the highest figures ever quoted for an EV. Naturally, that figure will vary depending on driving style and conditions, but it reflects Tesla’s ongoing leadership in battery innovation.
All-wheel drive is expected to be standard. Like Tesla’s other performance models, the Roadster will likely use dual or even quad electric motors to distribute power intelligently between all four wheels for maximum traction and acceleration.
Roadster Performance and Powertrain
When it was first unveiled, Tesla promised that the Roadster would accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds, achieve a top speed exceeding 250 mph, and complete a quarter-mile in just 8.8 seconds. Those figures, if achieved, would put it well ahead of most hypercars.
The company’s latest comments suggest that the final version could improve on those already extraordinary targets. Musk’s mention of a potential collaboration with SpaceX hints at experimental technology, such as cold gas thrusters, to aid acceleration and cornering.
Even without such enhancements, Tesla’s electric drivetrain technology has proven consistently capable of delivering remarkable acceleration, making the Roadster’s targets plausible within the company’s performance-focused DNA.
Tesla Roadster Pricing and Availability
Tesla has confirmed two main versions of the new Roadster:
Base Model: Estimated from $200,000 (£160,000)
Founders Edition: Estimated from $250,000 (£200,000)
Only 1,000 Founders Series units will be produced worldwide, aimed at collectors and early adopters. Beyond the exclusivity, Tesla has not yet detailed the feature differences between the two models.
For now, customers can reserve a Tesla Roadster directly through Tesla’s website with a refundable deposit, keeping their place in line for what promises to be one of the most advanced EVs ever built.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Tesla claims the Roadster’s 200 kWh battery pack will allow it to travel up to 620 miles on a full charge. That figure will make it the longest-range electric sports car in the world if achieved. The company has not yet confirmed charging speeds or battery cell chemistry, though fast-charging capability is expected to rival Tesla’s Model S Plaid.
As with any high-performance EV, range will vary dramatically depending on how it is driven. Tesla’s estimate is based on light usage rather than track conditions, where continuous high-speed runs will naturally reduce efficiency.
2026 Roadster Interior and Design
While the production interior has not yet been revealed, the concept design features Tesla’s familiar minimalist layout. A large, vertically oriented touchscreen extends from the dashboard to the centre console, offering access to the car’s controls and infotainment.
The removable glass roof can be stored in the boot, transforming the Roadster into an open-air convertible. It technically seats four, though the rear seats appear best suited for smaller passengers. Tesla is expected to carry forward its signature focus on simplicity, software integration, and advanced connectivity.
As with other Tesla models, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa are not expected to be supported, with Tesla preferring its proprietary system. Drivers can anticipate Spotify integration, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and a suite of streaming apps such as Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu to use while parked and charging.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Roadster will include Tesla’s latest Autopilot driver-assistance features, with full compatibility for future Full Self-Driving updates. Although the car has not yet undergone crash testing by the NHTSA or IIHS, it is expected to meet Tesla’s high safety standards.
Anticipated features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance
The Roadster is expected to come with the same coverage as Tesla’s existing lineup:
Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 8 years, regardless of mileage
Battery coverage: 8 years, including degradation protection
Tesla does not currently include complimentary scheduled maintenance, but the vehicle will benefit from over-the-air software updates to continuously enhance performance, range, and safety over time.
Why the Roadster Matters
The Roadster is far more than a performance car; it’s a showcase of what electric mobility can achieve when technology is pushed to its limits. The original Roadster proved that electric cars could be fast, desirable, and practical. The second-generation model aims to elevate that legacy, blending performance and innovation in a way that could redefine the supercar category.
Even if few will own one, its influence will be broad. Cars like the Roadster help drive awareness and aspiration for EVs, showing that sustainability can deliver excitement, not compromise.
Image: Shutterstock
Tesla Roadster coming in 2026
Tesla’s April 2026 event will mark an important moment not only for the company but for the EV industry as a whole. The Roadster represents ambition, progress, and a continuation of Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
You can still reserve the Tesla Roadster on Tesla’s website here.
And with The Electric Car Scheme, you can access any electric car on the market through salary sacrifice. If the Tesla Roadster becomes available, you’ll be able to save 20–50% on the cost, making the future of electric performance more accessible than ever.
