India Reservations Open for Tesla's Rocket Roadster

Tesla has initiated reservations for two configurations of its new Roadster electric sports car in India: Performance and Thrust. A third, potentially flight-capable variant named Rocket, might also become available to select invitees. These openings come as Tesla's vehicle registrations in India experienced an 836% increase between April and September.

The Roadster Performance emphasizes acceleration, aiming for under 1.6 seconds for zero to 60 mph. The Thrust configuration enhances this with rocket-inspired propulsion assistance, targeting below 0.9 seconds. Initial reservation payments vary, with the Thrust model requiring a significant deposit of ₹2.50 crore.

The proposed Rocket variant, leveraging rocket-derived propulsion technology for flight, is exclusive to invited buyers. This development represents a significant convergence of automotive and aerospace engineering, though its flight capabilities await validation and regulatory approval. Production of the Roadster is slated for 2028, with Indian deliveries yet to be scheduled.

Tesla's market presence in India has grown substantially, with a 14.6% luxury EV market share in the April-September period. The company is also expanding its charging infrastructure, with plans for more Supercharger and Destination Charger locations across major cities and highways. Overcoming charging installation hurdles in residential societies remains a key challenge for broader adoption.