The fate of the much-anticipated Tesla Roadster remains a hot topic among electric vehicle enthusiasts, as the car’s release continues to face indefinite delays. First showcased in 2017, the next-generation Roadster was initially expected to enter production by 2020. However, five years later, fans and customers are still waiting. With unfulfilled referral promises and pre-orders piling up, many are now asking: Will the Tesla Roadster ever hit the streets?

 What Elon Musk Has Said About the Roadster Production Timeline

The last major update on the Roadster came from CEO Elon Musk in July 2024, when he stated that “most of the engineering has been completed” and Tesla “expects to begin production next year.” While this sparked some hope, it also marked seven years since the Roadster was first unveiled to the public.

In October 2024, Musk once again touched on the topic, referring to the Roadster as “the cherry on the icing on the cake” during a public appearance. However, he didn’t provide a specific production or launch date, leaving many to wonder if the EV supercar is still a priority.

 Silence from Tesla Executives Raises Questions

Since Musk’s last remarks, Tesla’s executive team has remained largely silent on the Roadster’s progress. During a recent appearance with Jay Leno, two executives failed to even mention the Roadster when discussing future tri-motor vehicles—only recalling it after a prompt from the host.

The most recent indication of its status came from Tesla’s quarterly financial update, where the Roadster’s classification was quietly changed from “in development” to “design development”. This subtle shift suggests that the project is still in the planning phase and not yet approaching production, making a 2025 launch highly improbable.

Tesla’s Big Promises—and Bigger Challenges

One of Tesla’s most ambitious marketing efforts involved offering around 80 free Roadsters to top referrers through its now-retired referral program. Additionally, customers were promised significant discounts on several hundred pre-ordered units.

However, these commitments remain unfulfilled, leading to mounting concerns about whether Tesla can keep its word. The delay raises key questions:

• How long can Tesla hold onto customer deposits without delivering vehicles?
  
  
• Could the company face legal action or customer backlash for failing to meet expectations?
  
  
• Is Tesla overextending itself by juggling too many vehicle programs at once?
  
  

These questions not only impact the Roadster project but also reflect the broader challenges Tesla faces as it expands its portfolio while trying to maintain production timelines and customer trust.

Why the Tesla Roadster Still Matters

Despite the delays, the Tesla Roadster remains a symbol of innovation and aspiration within the EV industry. With claims of a 0–60 mph time under 2 seconds, a 620-mile range, and a sleek design, the Roadster could redefine what’s possible for electric supercars—if and when it finally arrives.

It’s not just about performance; for many, the Roadster represents Tesla’s ability to push boundaries and deliver on bold promises. However, with repeated delays and vague updates, that confidence is beginning to wane.

Will We Ever See the Roadster on the Road?

As of now, the Tesla Roadster is still more of a concept than a reality. The company’s silence, lack of clear timelines, and shifting development status suggest it could still be years away. While Elon Musk continues to tease its arrival, production has not begun, and enthusiasm is beginning to fade among even Tesla’s most loyal supporters.

Unless there’s a major shift in Tesla’s production strategy or resource allocation, the Roadster may remain stuck in development limbo well into 2026 or beyond.

Would you like a visually engaging timeline of the Roadster’s journey since 2017?