Tesla opens India bookings for Roadster, Rs 50.06 lakh needed for Performance variant

Tesla has started bookings in India for its new electric sports car, the Roadster. Booking the Performance variant requires a total of about Rs 50.06 lakh. However, this is not the full or final price of the car. It is only the amount to be paid for the reservation.

The company aims to start production of the Roadster in 2028. The car that has been shown so far is a near-production prototype. The final price and delivery date for India have not yet been announced.

The design is said to draw inspiration from the SR-71 and F-35 aircraft. The car has hidden headlamps, a removable glass roof panel and a rear wing, which also works as an airbrake. The cabin has a yoke-style steering wheel, a touchscreen in front of the driver and hand-operated pedals.

The prototype has two electric motors on the rear axle, which power the rear wheels. Their combined output is claimed to be 1 megawatt, or about 1,341 horsepower. With a 4680-cell battery, the company aims to deliver a range of more than 483 km. A charging time of 10 to 12 minutes for 10 to 80 per cent has also been indicated. These figures should not be taken as certified results for the final production model.

Three configurations of the Roadster have been announced: Performance, Thrust and Rocket. The Performance variant aims to reach 96 km/h from a standstill in under 1.6 seconds. It has four fans that pull air from under the car to create downforce. The Thrust variant has nitrogen thrusters and is claimed to reach 96 km/h from zero in under 0.9 seconds. The Rocket is a single-seater with a total of 10 thrusters. It aims to go from zero to 96 km/h in under 0.59 seconds, with a top speed of more than 370 km/h.

It would be wrong to assume from the name "flying car" that it can actually fly like an aircraft. In Texas, the prototype was tested climbing a slope and lifting off the ground for a moment. This does not prove an ability to stay airborne. The report also says the Rocket variant is not approved to be driven on public roads.

On the booking amounts: in India, the Performance variant requires an initial payment of Rs 5.01 lakh, followed by Rs 45.05 lakh within 10 days. For the Thrust, the initial amount is Rs 5.01 lakh and the next payment is stated to be Rs 2.45 crore. The total booking amounts thus come to about Rs 50.06 lakh and Rs 2.50 crore respectively. The first payment is said to be refundable, but some payments made for changes will not be refunded. The Rocket variant is by invitation only, and its availability is limited.