TSLA Flying Car Hype: Roadster Thrusters vs. Aviation Reality

Reddit investors expressed overwhelming skepticism about Tesla’s flying car claims, with the post scoring 623 upvotes and generating 558 comments. Key concerns included:

• Credibility Issues
  : Users noted Tesla still hasn’t delivered the Roadster despite taking customer deposits years ago, with one commenter questioning “why anyone still believes him” after repeated delays[1]
• Safety Concerns
  : Multiple users argued humans cannot safely handle flying cars given current driving behavior
• Context Clarification
  : Some users correctly identified that Musk was likely referring to the Roadster’s hover-capable thrusters rather than a true flying car[1]
• Historical Overpromises
  : Commenters listed past Musk failures including robotaxis by 2020 and Cybertruck delays, with one noting a 2018 tweet about Roadster rocket thrusters[1]

Musk appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast in late 2025, stating Tesla is “getting close to demonstrating the prototype” with an unveiling timeline of “hopefully before the end of the year” and “within two months”[2][3][4]. He described the technology as “crazy, crazy technology” that would be “unforgettable” and potentially “the most memorable product unveil ever”[5].

However, Tesla’s confirmed 2024-2025 roadmap focuses on:

• Cybertruck production ramp and Semi truck expansion[6]
• Next-generation manufacturing cost reduction
• Cheaper Model 3 and Model Y Standard versions[7]

The Roadster itself represents 8 years of delays since its 2017 unveiling[8]. Meanwhile, the eVTOL industry faces FAA certification timelines of 3-7 years, with major players targeting 2026-2030 for commercial operations[9]. Chinese eVTOL AutoFlight achieved certification in 2024, but FAA and EASA approval remains in early stages[10].

The Reddit skepticism aligns closely with research realities. Musk’s “flying car” comments likely reference the Roadster’s SpaceX-designed cold gas thrusters for “hover capabilities” rather than true aviation. The disconnect between Musk’s “unforgettable” demo promises[5] and Tesla’s actual terrestrial vehicle roadmap[6][7] creates significant credibility concerns.

The regulatory timeline mismatch is stark: while Musk promises demonstrations within months, the aviation industry requires years for certification[9]. Tesla has no confirmed aviation projects, making flying car speculation purely hypothetical.

• Credibility damage if promised “unforgettable” demo fails to materialize or underdelivers
• Investor distraction from core business challenges (Cybertruck ramp, competition, margin pressure)
• Potential regulatory scrutiny if aviation claims mislead investors

• Roadster thruster technology could represent genuine innovation in vehicle dynamics
• Marketing hype may maintain brand relevance during product gaps
• Aviation expertise could position Tesla for future eVTOL market entry (long-term)

Investors should focus on Tesla’s actual manufacturing innovations and production capabilities rather than speculative aviation ventures[6].