Adapted by:
Javier Márquez
WriterI've been in media for over a decade, but I've been marveling at the possibilities that technology brings us much longer. I believe we live in a world where the digital revolution is changing everything and that Xataka is the best place to write about it.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
In November 2017, Tesla enthusiasts eagerly paid $50,000 to secure a spot on the waiting list for the new Roadster. Although this wasn’t cheap, the reward was enticing. The company promised an electric supercar that could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under two seconds. It also claimed the Roadcaster 2 could make a round trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco without stopping to recharge. Additionally, CEO Elon Musk marketed it as “the fastest production car ever.”
Nearly eight years later, none of the prospective buyers have received their car. More worryingly, production hasn’t even begun.
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The wait continues. The delay isn’t an isolated incident. It reflects a pattern of shifting timelines across several Tesla projects. Musk initially announced that production would start in 2020. However, that timeline was subsequently adjusted to 2021. Over the years, the dates continued to be pushed back: from 2022 to 2023, then to 2024, and most recently, to 2025.
Meanwhile, no unit has rolled off the production line, and the company has shown little progress.
Unfulfilled promises. Tesla has a history of making promises that aren’t met on time. The Cybertruck was unveiled in 2019 for a 2021 launch but didn’t reach its first buyers until late 2023. Similarly, the ambitious robotaxi project, announced for 2020, has been renamed Cybercab, hoping to be ready by 2026.
While Tesla has consistently presented groundbreaking ideas, it rarely meets its deadlines. Its Roadster 2 stands as a prominent example of this reality.
A “dessert” that’s never delivered. During a call with investors in late 2024, Musk was asked about the Roadster’s status. While he didn’t provide specific dates, he conveyed a message to those who have been waiting for years. “The Roadster is not just the icing on the cake, it’s the cherry on the icing on the cake,” he said.
He emphasized that Tesla aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future, prioritizing high-impact products over “dessert.” He also mentioned that the car’s design is nearly finalized and will be “something spectacular.” However, those grand statements haven’t materialized into an actual vehicle yet.
The price remains unchanged. When Tesla introduced the Roadster 2 in 2017, it announced a base price of $200,000, with a limited Founders Series version priced at $250,000. Since then, many factors have shifted. Competition has intensified, the economic landscape has evolved, and production costs have likely increased. Despite these changes, the official pricing has remained stagnant, as if no time has passed.
However, the Roadster is still an unfulfilled promise, waiting to become a reality.
Image | Prometheus
Related | Tesla Was a Shiny New Toy for Wall Street Until Musk’s Political Pursuits Almost Ruined It
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