Extract: Tesla’s new Roadster can jump over cars, but they take hours to refuel every five seconds. Here are the actual statistics about that show.
Tesla Flying Roadster takes 6-Hour Refill for 5-Second Thrust
Tesla’s new Roadster looks like a movie prop, and it can function like one. The more challenging question is what it costs in time and equipment to repeat the process.
1. What Tesla Showed
Tesla presented a new version of the Roadster featuring cold gas thrusters and announced it will begin production in 2028. The car jumped over five other Tesla vehicles using the thrusters at the October 15 event. Tesla has not officially stated if the thrusters and flying capabilities present on the prototype will be included in the production car.
2. It’s Not Actually Flying
A cold-gas system is a gas system that uses fuel-free nozzles to eject gas at high pressure. That provides intense quick acceleration. It does not give sustained flight.
3. The Refill Problem
Tesla’s vice-president of vehicle engineering, Lars Moravy, told Top Gear that it currently requires 2 to 6 hours to fill the tank from an external nitrogen supply. There’s approximately five seconds of boost each fill for the Thrust version. The tank gas capacity is 200 liters, at up to 10 000 psi N-2. Tesla is aiming to reduce the fill time to less than 30 minutes.
4. Where the $10,000 Comes From
The figure doesn’t represent a per launch charge. A single such system costs up to $10,000, and is reported to be limited to 6,000 psi, which is the Roadster’s pressure requirement.
5. The Skeptics
Electrek predicts it will likely take a few minutes for them to be operational again, and cautions that they might spew debris towards fans. Final Specs, Price and Delivery dates are also unconfirmed.
Where Does FameWheels Fit In?
The Roadster is proof of the lengths carmakers are going to go for innovation. Browse, bid and purchase a car deal for a good price at www.famewheels.com.
Conclusion
Now the thrusters are an engineering wonder and a show for all to see. As long as refilling becomes quicker and more cost effective, they will remain a novelty. See each of these figures as a prototype claim rather than a final spec.
