Tesla Opens India Roadster Bookings, Deposits Reach Rs 2.5 Crore

Reservation costs for Performance and Thrust variants

Customers can choose between the Performance and Thrust configurations for the new electric sports car. The Performance variant requires an initial payment of Rs 5.01 lakh, followed by a payment of Rs 45.05 lakh within 10 days, according to Rushlane and The Week. Gaadiwaadi reports the Performance reservation involves an initial Rs 5,01,000 payment and a subsequent Rs 45 lakh payment due within ten days, totaling Rs 50.06 lakh. Zigwheels notes the booking amount for the base performance variant is Rs 50 lakh.

The Thrust configuration carries a significantly higher reservation cost of Rs 2.50 crore. Rushlane reports this total includes an initial payment of Rs 5.01 lakh and a further Rs 2,45,24,000 due within 10 days, totaling Rs 2,50,25,000. Gaadiwaadi states the Thrust reservation requires an initial payment of Rs 45,05,000 followed by a payment of Rs 2.45 crore due within ten days, totaling Rs 2.50 crore. Tesla clarifies that the Rs 2.50 crore figure for the Thrust configuration represents a booking amount rather than the final purchase price.

Refund policies and booking conditions

Tesla labels the initial Rs 5.01 lakh reservation payment as fully refundable. Gaadiwaadi reports that while the first installment is refundable, any modification payments are non-refundable.

Reservations are not considered final until the full payment is received by the company. If the payment is not completed within the 10-day window, Tesla may cancel the reservation.

Rocket configuration remains invite-only

The Rocket version of the Roadster is restricted to invite-only customers. This configuration features a full flight system and seating for one, with no reservation amount displayed on the India booking page.

The model includes ten thrusters, achieved by adding six nozzles, and provides 600 litres of storage. It targets a top speed exceeding 370 kmph and acceleration from 0 to 96 kmph in under 0.59 seconds.

While a prototype demonstrated the ability to climb an inverted ramp and briefly leave the ground, these maneuvers do not constitute sustained flight. The Rocket configuration lacks approval for public road travel.

The Thrust configuration is limited to one order per customer and is subject to local laws. Consequently, thruster functionality may not be offered in all markets.

Production timelines and delivery uncertainty

Tesla has not confirmed delivery dates or final prices for any Roadster configurations in India. Elon Musk announced that production of the vehicle will begin in 2028.

Reports suggest the arrival of the car in the Indian market could occur around 2030. Production will initially focus on left-hand-drive specifications, with no timeline announced for right-hand-drive production.

Initial deliveries are expected to be limited to left-hand-drive models.

Technical specifications and SpaceX collaboration

The second-generation Roadster is a collaboration between engineering teams at Tesla and SpaceX. Its design draws inspiration from SR-71 and F-35 aircraft and integrates various SpaceX components.

Constructed from carbon-fibre and magnesium, the vehicle aims to minimize weight. It features concealed headlights, removable glass roof panels, and a steering yoke. The interior includes two fixed seats, requiring the steering wheel and pedals to move to accommodate driver ergonomics. A driver-facing touchscreen provides the primary interface.

The prototype houses two rear-axle electric motors with a combined output of 1 MW, or 1,341 mechanical horsepower. It utilizes a 4680-cell battery, targeting a range of over 483 km. Charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes between 10 and 12 minutes.

Performance capabilities include a top speed exceeding 600 kmph and a sprint to 97 kmph in under one second. The Performance configuration seats two and employs active aerodynamics with a multi-mode suction system to generate downforce. This setup uses four suction fans to target 0 to 96 kmph in under 1.6 seconds.

The Thrust configuration adds four rear-facing nitrogen thrusters, which Tesla describes as race-ready with limited availability. These thrusters target a 0 to 96 kmph time of under 0.9 seconds and provide 80 kN of thrust, equivalent to over 8 tonnes of pushing force. An active rear wing is an airbrake, while active aero diffusers adjust from front to rear to manage grip and straight-line speed.

In a demonstration, the Roadster drove up an inverted C-shaped ramp using its suction fans to remain attached to the surface before using its thrusters to return to the ground.

Pricing expectations and market context

Tesla has not announced final selling prices for the Roadster configurations, though reports from 16 October and 18 October 2026 expect costs to exceed Rs 5 crore.

The McMurtry Spéirling is currently the vehicle that comes closest to the Roadster's acceleration figures, reaching similar speeds in 1.44 seconds.

Model Y L acceleration boost update

Tesla India has introduced a complimentary Acceleration Boost for the six-seat Model Y L. This update reduces the vehicle's 0-100 kmph acceleration time to 4.5 seconds and provides a WLTP range of up to 681 km.

The six-seat Model Y L starts at Rs 61.99 lakh, while the five-seat Model Y starts at Rs 50.89 lakh. Monthly installments for these models begin at Rs 49,990 and Rs 39,990, respectively.

The current charging infrastructure in India includes 20 Supercharger stalls and 28 Destination Charger stalls. Tesla plans to add three additional sites by the end of 2026.