Tesla has presented a new version of its Roadster electric sports car equipped with thrusters that enable it to hover and manoeuvre in mid-air, unveiled at a facility in Texas owned by SpaceX, the aerospace company that contributed to the vehicle's development.
At the presentation, Tesla CEO Elon Musk declared,
You're going to see some crazy stuff tonight, before demonstrating the modified Roadster driving up a steep ramp, launching into the air, spinning, and landing using air jets. According to BBC News, Musk stated that an audience was necessary to verify the car
is not AI.
The demonstration comes as the automotive and aerospace industries explore increasingly ambitious vehicle concepts. Vertical Aerospace is pursuing certification for an electric flying taxi with a target 2029 launch, while autonomous aircraft are already operating commercially in crop spraying and logistics applications.
Why flying cars remain distant
Despite the striking demonstration, significant obstacles stand between concept vehicles and practical road deployment. Regulatory frameworks, safety certification requirements, infrastructure limitations, and the substantial energy demands of sustained flight present formidable challenges to commercialisation. The technology required to make such vehicles safe, reliable, and affordable for everyday use remains years away from maturity, meaning consumers are unlikely to encounter flying Roadsters on public roads in the near term.
