In a massive wave of technological updates, Tesla is reportedly gearing up to unveil its long-awaited, all-electric Tesla Roadster as early as this month, featuring a SpaceX-collaboration cold-gas thruster package. Alongside this groundbreaking automotive milestone, Tesla has officially secured its autonomous vehicle permit in Nevada for a capped 10-vehicle robotaxi fleet, and rolled out a new affordable Powerwall Lease program with Tesla Electric in Texas for whole-home backup power.
The SpaceX-Powered Flying Roadster Debut
According to a new report from The Information, CEO Elon Musk and Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen are preparing for a remote-controlled demonstration of the Roadster at SpaceX‘s rocket test site in McGregor, Texas. Equipped with the A71 thruster package, the vehicle aims to showcase brief hovering capabilities, though spectators will need to stand hundreds of yards back due to extreme noise levels. After considering various structural designs—including a repurposed Model S Plaid configuration—Tesla ultimately opted for an ultra-light carbon fiber tub aesthetic.
Nevada Approves Capped Robotaxi Operations
In addition to supercar developments, Tesla has been granted its AVNC Permit 002 by the Nevada Transportation Authority. Although the company initially requested permission to deploy up to 5,000 vehicles in Clark County, regulators have limited the initial launch to just 10 fully autonomous vehicles along the Las Vegas Strip corridor. Operating under strict rules—including a 45 mph speed limit restriction and mandatory human supervision—Tesla enters a local market already navigated by Amazon-owned competitor Zoox.
Affordable Energy Storage in Texas
On the energy front, Tesla Energy has introduced a Powerwall Lease option in Texas in partnership with Tesla Electric. Costing a net effective rate of approximately $35 per month after applicable credits, the setup delivers continuous whole-home backup power utilizing two Powerwall units, $0 installation, and integrated Storm Watch outage protection.
