Saturday, 17 October 2026

Tesla Roadster range halved to roughly 310–320 miles now

The next-gen Roadster is now estimated at about 310–320 miles per charge, with production planned in Texas in 2028.

Tesla Roadster
Photo: Jeremy from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0 (modified)

The short version

  • Tesla says the next‑gen Roadster’s range is now about 310–320 miles per charge, well below the 620‑mile figure first shown years ago.
  • Production is planned for 2028 in Texas, with a major chassis rethink and new powertrain tech.
  • Charging and performance remain strong selling points, with up to 500 kW DC fast charging and high horsepower in future trims.
Quick read · 1 min

Tesla’s next‑gen Roadster is now targeting about 310–320 miles per charge, a big drop from the original 620 miles. Production remains planned for 2028 in Texas, with a redesigned chassis and fast charging up to 500 kW.

For everyday buyers, that means you’ll want reliable access to fast charging on long trips and a practical plan for road‑trip routes. If you hoped for ultra‑long range, you’ll need to adjust expectations as final production details approach. What happens next is more official detail from Tesla as 2028 approaches.

  • High‑power charging remains a selling point
  • Range is the headline shift this time
  • Delivery timing will hinge on final specs

The next‑gen Tesla Roadster has seen its range figure cut significantly. In a long interview with Top Gear, Tesla confirmed the car’s target range sits at roughly 310–320 miles per charge. That’s a meaningful departure from the 620 miles Tesla touted when the car was first unveiled in 2017.

Tesla still aims to produce the Roadster in Texas in 2028 and is giving the car a full redesign. The new model will feature an aluminum and carbon‑fiber chassis, steer‑by‑wire, brake‑by‑wire, and carbon‑ceramic brakes. The battery pack is described as nickel‑based lithium‑ion and operates at very high voltage, though capacity hasn’t been disclosed. Tesla says charging can be very quick, with up to 500 kW available at a V4 Supercharger, allowing the battery to move from 15% to 85% in about 10 minutes.

On power, the base version is expected to deliver more than 1,073 horsepower, with higher trims exceeding 1,341 horsepower. Weight is planned around 3,700 pounds, and top speeds are still pitched very high, though the current publicly cited figure sits around 214 mph. In short, the Roadster aims to deliver blistering acceleration and track‑ready handling, but the long‑haul range buyers originally hoped for won’t be the headline feature.

The shift matters because some buyers reserved the Roadster based on a long‑range promise. If you were counting on hundreds of miles between charges for road trips, you’ll need a reliable fast‑charging plan and a flexible trip schedule as the car moves toward final production. Pricing and other details haven’t been publicly finalized yet, and the specifications could still change before deliveries begin.

01

What this means for buyers who already showed interest

People who reserved the Roadster expecting its original range should reset their expectations. Even with rapid charging, a 310–320 mile range changes how you’ll plan long trips. Look out for final specs from Tesla as the 2028 window approaches, especially any updates to weight, battery chemistry, and price.

Top Gear, related to: Tesla Roadster range halved to roughly 310–320 miles now
Photo: Ank kumar / CC BY-SA 4.0 (modified)
02

Is it still a supercar or more of a high‑performance tourer?

Tesla is leaning into speed and tech, with features like steer‑by‑wire and a very fast charging network. The range shift doesn’t erase the car’s goal of extreme performance; it just places more emphasis on how often you’ll need to stop for a charge on long journeys.

Play video: New Tesla Roadster: SpaceX Thrusters, 0.6sec 0-60mph & 330mph! | 4K
03

Charging and real‑world use

Fast charging remains a core selling point. If you live near a high‑power charging network and tend to top up often, the Roadster’s practical range could still work for you. The actual impact will depend on final battery capacity, vehicle efficiency, and how the charging network develops by 2028.

A prototype sports car chassis in development
04

What happens next

We can expect more official updates as production dates draw nearer, including final battery details and pricing. If you’re considering a reservation or deposit, keep an eye on Tesla’s forthcoming disclosures about range, charging, and delivery timelines as 2028 approaches.

05

Quick answers

What is the new range for the Roadster?

About 310–320 miles per charge.

When will it ship?

Production is targeted for 2028 in Texas, with details to come closer to that date.

What readers should do now: look for official specs as the date approaches, and plan charging options if you’re considering a high‑performance EV with long trips in mind.

You're reading the quick version.