Last-minute postponement: Weather throws Texas plans into disarray
The official launch of the production version of the new Tesla Roadster has been postponed again at the last minute. The event, originally scheduled for October 1, has been pushed back by exactly two weeks, with the new confirmed date for the world premiere being October 15.
The decision was made due to the adverse weather conditions forecast for the US state of Texas, where the brand's headquarters are located. The presentation was designed exclusively as an outdoor event, as optimal atmospheric conditions and clear skies were necessary to safely demonstrate the vehicle's performance and the operation of the special propulsion systems developed for this model.
A Nine-Year Wait: The History of Successive Delays
This new two-week delay adds to a long series of delays that have already lasted for almost a decade. The final production version of the electric supercar will be revealed 9 years after the first public presentation of the prototype.
When first revealed, the original plan was for production to begin and first deliveries to begin in 2020. However, the project has been repeatedly delayed over the years due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, disruptions in global supply chains, and the redirection of production resources to volume models and the Cybertruck project.
Extreme Technology: Electric Motors and Cold Gas Propulsion
The new Tesla Roadster is designed to redefine the standards of automotive performance. One of the most spectacular innovations promised is the optional package developed in collaboration with the aerospace division SpaceX.
The system includes jet engines based on cold gas propellants, strategically mounted at the rear of the vehicle and under the body. This technology is intended to radically improve acceleration, top speed, cornering and braking efficiency, promising 0-100 km/h acceleration times of under one second in its most extreme configuration.
How much will the Tesla Roadster cost on the Romanian market? Estimates and local taxes
Although the official final prices for the European market will be detailed with the launch on October 15, the price structure communicated for the American market allows for the calculation of fairly precise estimates for customers in Romania.
The starting price on the US market is estimated at $200,000 for the basic version, while the limited launch edition (Founders Series) is valued at $250,000. Translating these figures to the Romanian market involves adding import duties, transportation costs and European homologation, as well as applying the Value Added Tax (19% VAT).
| Tesla Roadster Trim | Estimated US Price | Estimated Price in Romania (excl. VAT) | Final Estimated Price in Romania (incl. 19% VAT) | Equivalent Price in RON |
| Standard Model | ~$200,000 | ~€185,000 | ~€220,000 | ~1,100,000 RON |
| Founders Series | ~$250,000 | ~€230,000 | ~€274,000 | ~1,370,000 RON |
To reserve a copy, the procedure requires a total initial deposit of $50,000 (approximately €46,000 / RON 230,000), structured as an immediate payment by card and a subsequent bank transfer within 10 days.
Given its classification as a high-performance hypercar and its estimated price thresholds, the model will not benefit from government subsidies through local fleet renewal programs.