Tesla Reopens Roadster Orders With $50,000 Deposit Requirement

Tesla has reopened orders for its long-awaited next-generation Roadster, according to a report from InsideEVs, and the automaker is asking prospective buyers to put down a deposit of $50,000 to secure a spot in line. The move comes even though the finished vehicle has yet to be shown publicly in its production form.

A Costly Bet On An Unseen Car

The steep deposit figure underscores just how much trust Tesla is asking of customers. Unlike a typical vehicle reservation, where buyers can at least see prototypes, spy shots, or detailed specifications, the new Roadster remains largely a mystery outside of the ambitious claims Tesla has made about it in the past, including promises of extreme performance and range.

Years Of Delays

The second-generation Roadster was originally unveiled years ago, with Tesla initially targeting an earlier production timeline that has since slipped repeatedly. Despite the delays, interest in the car has apparently remained strong enough for Tesla to once again solicit deposits from buyers willing to wait, and now pay significantly more upfront, for a chance to eventually take delivery.

InsideEVs' report does not detail additional specifics such as a confirmed delivery date, final pricing, or updated performance figures, leaving many of the same questions that have surrounded the Roadster program for years still unanswered. Tesla has not publicly clarified how the new deposit structure compares to previous reservation terms for the vehicle.

Source: InsideEVs