A Tesla Flying Car? I Don’t Know, Man
Tesla demonstrated a version of its Roadster 2 that briefly lifted off the ground, though experts warn that regulatory hurdles for 'flying cars' are significant. The vehicle is not expected to enter production until 2028, and its legal status remains uncertain.
Why it matters
The demonstration raises questions about the intersection of automotive innovation and aviation safety regulations.
On Thursday, Tesla showed off a version of its new Roadster 2 sports car in a demonstration at SpaceX’s rocket development testing facility. And in its own way, with an awkward jerking maneuver, the Roadster flew a few dozen feet. The vehicle, which doesn’t yet have a price but is likely to be very expensive, is slated to go into production in 2028. The vehicle didn’t have a human occupant during the demo “to make sure we don’t kill anyone,” Tesla CEO Elon Musk said at the event.
Tesla’s Roadster “sort of, kind of, might” be an actual flying car because aviation experts say legally catching air in the vehicle will likely involve plenty of government permissions and red tape.
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