( Image caption: A screengrab from a Tesla live feed shows the company unveiling its next-generation Roadster electric car in the US. Photo: AFP.)
Tesla has opened reservations in the UAE for its next-generation Roadster electric supercar, with deposits starting at Dh210,000 despite the company not confirming when customers will receive their vehicles.
The long-awaited model was unveiled by Elon Musk during a demonstration in Texas last week. Listed under the ‘Vehicles’ section of Tesla’s UAE website, the Roadster offers customers two reservation options, with deposits ranging from Dh210,000 to Dh1.02 million.
A third version, called the Rocket, is described by Tesla as capable of flight and is available by invitation only.
These amounts are reservation deposits, not the final selling prices. Tesla says the vehicle’s options, features and hardware are still under development, meaning the final price will be determined when customers configure their cars.
How Much Does It Cost to Reserve the Tesla Roadster?
Tesla’s UAE website lists two versions of the Roadster, each with different features and reservation requirements.
1. Performance — Dh210,000
Described as “road ready”, the Performance version is a two-seater equipped with active aerodynamics and a multi-mode suction system designed to improve grip and handling.
The reservation payment consists of:
- Dh20,000 upfront, marked as fully refundable.
- A further Dh190,000 payable within 10 days.
- Total reservation amount: Dh210,000.
2. Thrust — Dh1.02 million
Described as “race ready”, the limited-release Thrust version includes the features of the Performance model, along with acceleration thrusters that Tesla says can propel the vehicle from 0 to 100kmph in under one second.
The reservation payment consists of:
- Dh20,000 upfront, marked as fully refundable.
- A further Dh1 million payable within 10 days.
- Total reservation amount: Dh1.02 million.
Tesla has limited Thrust reservations to one per customer because of restricted availability.
According to the reservation agreement, a booking becomes effective only after Tesla receives the full reservation payment and confirms the reservation by email.
Importantly, reserving a Roadster does not mean the customer has placed a final vehicle order or purchased the car. Instead, the reservation secures an approximate priority position. Buyers will be invited to configure their vehicles and complete the purchase process closer to production.
If the purchase proceeds, the reservation payment will be deducted from the vehicle’s final price.
Tesla’s Flying Roadster: What Is the Rocket Version?
For customers seeking something beyond conventional electric-car performance, Tesla has introduced a third version called the Rocket, which the company describes as “air ready”.
The single-seater combines the features of the other Roadster versions with what Tesla calls a “full flight system”.
Unlike the Thrust model, which has thrusters at the rear, the Rocket features cold-gas thrusters positioned around the vehicle. Tesla says these can propel it upwards and forwards and allow it to rotate sideways while airborne.
The system is designed to make adjustments within fractions of a second to help stabilise the vehicle during flight.
Tesla’s description concludes with the statement: “So yes, it can fly.”
However, access to the Rocket is restricted. Customers cannot reserve it directly through the website and must receive an invitation. Tesla has not disclosed a reservation amount for this version.
The company also explicitly states that the Rocket is not approved for public-road use. Availability is subject to local laws and regulations, and the configuration is not offered in every region.
When Will UAE Buyers Receive the Tesla Roadster?
The biggest uncertainty for prospective buyers is the delivery timeline.
Tesla acknowledges in its Roadster Reservation Agreement that the vehicle remains under development and that it cannot guarantee when customers will receive their cars.
“No delivery date is offered, implied or guaranteed,” the agreement states, adding that the company accepts no liability for delays.
Musk has said production of the redesigned Roadster will begin in 2028. However, Tesla has not announced when customer deliveries will start.
The vehicle has been among Tesla’s most anticipated models since the second-generation Roadster was first unveiled in 2017.
What UAE Buyers Should Know Before Reserving
Prospective buyers should consider several factors before committing a substantial amount to a reservation.
- Reservation is not a purchase: A booking secures an approximate priority position rather than confirming a completed vehicle order.
- Final prices are not confirmed: The listed amounts are reservation payments, and Tesla has not yet confirmed the final purchase prices.
- Refund terms matter: The initial Dh20,000 payment for the Performance and Thrust versions is marked as fully refundable. Buyers should review the complete reservation agreement for the terms applicable to their booking.
- Delivery is uncertain: Tesla has not guaranteed a delivery date, even though production is planned to begin in 2028.
- The Rocket has restrictions: The flying version is invitation-only and is not approved for public-road use.
For UAE customers, the Roadster offers the prospect of an unusually high-performance electric supercar, but the large reservation deposits and uncertain delivery schedule mean buyers should carefully review the terms before committing their money.
