Tesla is preparing to introduce a more affordable version of its upcoming Roadster, potentially called Standard, according to the company’s chief designer. The new model would sit below the Performance variant, offering a less expensive entry point while still delivering extreme performance. Until now, attention has focused almost exclusively on the Rocket model—the most eye-catching of the lineup—thanks to its SpaceX-developed cold-gas thrusters, which promise unparalleled acceleration and handling.
The Roadster lineup could expand to four versions, including the Standard. Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s design chief, mentioned the possibility in an interview, suggesting a more budget-friendly option alongside the high-performance Rocket model, powered by SpaceX’s cold-gas thrusters, and the Performance variant. The Standard would likely generate 1,090 horsepower, down from the 1,360 hp estimated for the Performance version. Even at this lower output, it would still surpass most electric sports cars in power, placing it in an ultra-exclusive tier alongside the Porsche Taycan and Cayenne Turbo Electric.
Despite the lower power output, the Standard would still rank among the most powerful electric sports cars on the market. Early reports indicate it could include rear thrusters, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in under one second, though exact figures remain unconfirmed. This feature, shared with the Rocket variant, would ensure blistering performance while avoiding the complexity, and cost, of other advanced systems.
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The Standard version would likely strip out some of the Roadster’s most advanced, and costly, features. These include active aerodynamics and a ground-effect suction system designed to improve downforce. Removing these elements would simplify the vehicle, reducing production costs but potentially diminishing its appeal compared to higher-tier models. The trade-off reflects Tesla’s strategy: offering a more accessible entry point while maintaining the brand’s reputation for cutting-edge performance. The €50,000 deposit required for the Performance variant alone shows how even the “budget” Roadster would remain a premium product.
However, even the Standard would likely remain far from affordable. The Performance version requires a €50,000 deposit, signaling a premium positioning. With over 1,000 horsepower, the car would compete in an exclusive segment alongside models like the Porsche Taycan and Cayenne Turbo Electric, where pricing rarely drops below six figures. The Standard’s simplified design may lower costs, but its performance credentials ensure it stays firmly in the luxury electric supercar category.
The Roadster’s development has been slow, with the original model debuting in 2017 and its successor still years away from production. The Standard variant, if confirmed, would add another layer of uncertainty to an already delayed timeline. No official pricing or specifications have been released, leaving key details, including whether the model will truly be more affordable, unanswered. The €50,000 Performance deposit suggests even the base variant may require substantial upfront investment, reinforcing doubts about its mass-market viability.
