Tesla Reopens Next-Generation Roadster Reservations With $50,000 Deposit

Tesla has reopened reservations for its long-delayed next-generation Roadster, requiring prospective buyers to pay $50,000 to secure a booking. According to Sina Finance, the company is preparing to unveil the electric sports car on October 1. The Roadster page on Tesla's U.S. website showed a "Reserve Now" option on Saturday local time. Tesla said buyers must first pay $5,000 by credit card, which is fully refundable, and then send an additional $45,000 by wire transfer within 10 days. Tesla said the reservation is not final until the wire payment is received. In the Roadster terms and conditions, the company also said it can currently provide only an estimated purchase price, adding that it is still determining the optional configurations, features, and hardware the model will include. Tesla said buyers will be invited to configure their vehicles as production approaches. The company said buyers will receive an updated order agreement whenever either side makes changes to the configuration. On refunds and cancellations, Tesla said either the buyer or Tesla may cancel the reservation as long as both sides have not signed a motor vehicle purchase agreement. Tesla said the full amount will be refunded if the order is canceled. Last week, Elon Musk said on the All-In podcast that the Roadster unveiling needs a live audience to verify that the demonstration is not generated by artificial intelligence. Musk said success is not guaranteed, but the excitement is.