Tesla's flying car draws regulatory attention

Elon Musk's latest creation, a futuristic electric roadster from Tesla, has sparked interest among U.S. regulators. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the car does not meet its definition of an aircraft and thus does not need a flight certification.

Safety and compliance under scrutiny

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) commented that the vehicle appears to "defy the laws of physics" and stressed that Tesla must ensure it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards and that drivers follow local road rules. The agency has launched an investigation into the vehicle.

Public debut of the Roadster

Elon Musk unveiled the Roadster on Thursday evening near Waco, Texas. The event was streamed online and widely shared on social media, featuring a demonstration where the car launched vertically, performed a mid-air roll, and landed safely using retro-thrusters located under the passenger compartment and on the sides.

Vehicle capabilities and design

In another demonstration, the Roadster used its thrusters to lift over an obstacle and land after rotating completely. Musk described the car as a vehicle that can fly like a rocket, though he admitted it may not be optimized for safety. The Roadster has ten nozzles and is designed to reach 100 km/h in under a second, with a top speed of 370 km/h.

Production timeline and past delays

Production of the Roadster is expected to begin in 2028, although Musk has a history of delaying product launches. The presentation of the Roadster was anticipated at least nine years in advance and has been postponed multiple times. Musk acknowledged the uncertainty of success but expressed enthusiasm about the future of flying cars.