- Tesla will livestream next-generation Roadster launch event on October 15.
- Event originally scheduled for October 1 but postponed to October 15 due to extreme weather.
- Expected to showcase driverless vehicles and provide pricing and specification information.
- Production planned to begin in 2027 or 2028 at Giga Texas.
Tesla will livestream its next-generation Roadster event this Thursday, October 15 at 7:55 p.m. Central Time, the official Tesla account announced Monday evening. Texas currently observes daylight saving time, and reports interpret this as local Central Time, meaning the Tesla Roadster livestream will air at 8:55 p.m. Eastern Time and 5:55 p.m. Pacific Time. The livestream is expected to take place on Tesla's X account, and the announcement is already live.
This is the second date for the event. Tesla posted a "ready to launch" image on September 12, originally slated for an October 1 unveiling, and sent invitations to reservation holders. The event location is in Waco, Texas, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with attendees required to be at least 21 years old and tickets non-transferable. Until this week, Tesla had not announced that the event would be livestreamed.
Reason for event date change
On September 28, Tesla moved the event date to October 15, citing extreme weather and the need for outdoor demonstrations. Elon Musk subsequently stated the change was due to high winds, a comment that sparked speculation about whether the vehicle would leave the ground on stage. The event will be held in Waco, near SpaceX's McGregor rocket test facility, where the FAA had closed airspace up to 10,000 feet from September 18 to October 2 for the original date.
According to reports, another restriction on October 14 is also in effect near the site, which may indicate a rehearsal, though this has not been confirmed.
Expected showcase content
According to speculative reports, Tesla's showcase will include driverless vehicles, and the audience will be asked to stay several hundred yards away for safety. Reports indicate a SpaceX package codenamed A71 relates to what Musk previously hinted at — thrusters that could cut 0-to-60 mph acceleration to roughly one second, compared with the 1.9 seconds reported for the 2017 base model. Tesla also ended its Semi event with a Roadster teaser, suggesting the new design differs from the prototype, and stated this event will include pricing, specifications, and production targets.
The 2017 figures remain the only official data: 620 miles of range, a top speed exceeding 250 mph, a base model price of US$200,000 (approximately HK$1,560,000), and the Founders Series at US$250,000 (approximately HK$1,950,000).
Tesla reopened reservations last month, requiring a US$5,000 (approximately HK$39,000) card payment and a US$45,000 (approximately HK$351,000) wire transfer within ten days; the deposit is refundable. Production is expected to begin in 2027 or 2028 at Giga Texas. Tesla will report third-quarter earnings on October 21, just six days after the livestream, meaning any pricing or timeline announced Thursday evening will be disclosed before that call.
Significance of Tesla Roadster launch
Tesla's next-generation Roadster launch event has not only drawn widespread media attention but could also reshape the competitive landscape of the electric vehicle market. With the demonstration of driverless technology and the introduction of a new design, Tesla may further cement its leadership in the high-performance EV segment. Moreover, the disclosure of production plans and pricing strategy will have far-reaching implications for potential consumers and investors, particularly against the backdrop of growing EV demand.