Tesla Roadster Buyers Wait Nearly 9 Years as Production Delayed to 2028
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Tesla's second-generation Roadster, first unveiled in November 2017, has left early depositors waiting nearly nine years as production remains stalled. A $50,000 deposit that could have been invested in Tesla stock at approximately $21 per share would have grown to roughly $860,000 at current prices around $360, representing a gain of more than 16 times the original amount. Elon Musk has now indicated the vehicle will enter production in 2028, extending the wait for those who placed deposits hoping for delivery by now.
Key Points
- Tesla unveiled the second-generation Roadster in November 2017, promoting 600-mile range and high performance capabilities
- Early buyers placed $50,000 deposits, while the limited Founders Series required $250,000 upfront
- Tesla stock rose from approximately $21 on November 17, 2017 to about $360 in mid-October 2026
- A $50,000 investment would now be worth roughly $857,000; a $250,000 investment would reach $4.29 million
- OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman cancelled his reservation in 2025, and tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee cancelled one of his two reservations
Why It Matters
The Roadster delay illustrates how Tesla's resources and priorities have shifted toward autonomous driving and robotics projects, potentially at the expense of traditional vehicle programs. For Hong Kong investors and Tesla enthusiasts, the case serves as a stark reminder of opportunity costs in pre-product reservations, especially given Tesla's volatile but generally upward stock trajectory over the past decade.
The Roadster delay illustrates how Tesla's resources and priorities have shifted toward autonomous driving and robotics projects, potentially at the expense of traditional vehicle programs. For Hong Kong investors and Tesla enthusiasts, the case serves as a stark reminder of opportunity costs in pre-product reservations, especially given Tesla's volatile but generally upward stock trajectory over the past decade.