Tesla CEO Elon Musk says production of the company’s next Roadster is not expected to begin until “next year”, about two years after the car was initially set to go into production. Tesla announced its $ 200,000 Roadster in 2017, when Musk said the car would begin construction in 2020.
In a tweet, Musk suggested that work on the car’s “tri-engine traction system and advanced battery operation” was responsible for the delay. Musk says Tesla expects to finish engineering this year and have a “candidate for airship launch project in late summer”.
Completing the engineering this year, production starts next year. With the aim that the launch candidate’s design can be carried out in late summer. Tri-motor drive system and advanced battery work were important precursors.
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2021
The hope, however, is that whenever it arrives, the Roadster will be a vehicle with formidable specifications. When it was announced, Musk said the Roadster would be able to reach 620 miles on a single charge, and suggested a top speed in excess of 250 mph. He also said that his triple engine drive system (which includes an electric motor in the front and two in the rear) will allow the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 1.9 seconds, and from 0 to 100 in 4.2.