Tesla Roadster shows signs of life with new trademark application

Tesla has revived interest in its long-delayed Roadster by submitting a new trademark application on April 28 to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The filing includes a logo featuring the word 'Roadster' in a distinct font, reinforcing speculation that the electric supercar could soon move closer to production after years of postponements. The Roadster was first announced in 2017 but has faced repeated delays due to Tesla’s focus on other models, including the Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, and Robotaxi. In October 2023, CEO Elon Musk hinted at a potential springtime unveil, describing it as a ‘most memorable product unveil ever.’ Production is expected to begin 12 to 18 months after the reveal, with deliveries potentially starting in late 2027. Tesla has previously filed two other trademark applications related to the Roadster, including one depicting a simplified profile of the car’s cab-forward design. Musk has framed the Roadster as Tesla’s final human-driven vehicle, emphasizing its role as a ‘cherry on the icing on the cake’ before shifting focus to autonomous vehicles. During Tesla’s 2025 Q4 earnings call, Musk stated that the Roadster would remain the only non-autonomous vehicle in Tesla’s lineup. Reservations for the Roadster are already open, with the base model priced at approximately £151,000 and requiring a £34,000 deposit. A limited-edition Founders Series model, capped at 1,000 units, is also planned. Musk previously acknowledged delays, attributing them to prioritizing more impactful projects, though he suggested the design was nearing finalization in 2024. The Roadster’s development has faced challenges similar to those of the Cybertruck, including supply chain issues. Despite the setbacks, the latest trademark filing suggests Tesla remains committed to bringing the project to fruition, potentially marking a significant milestone for its high-performance electric vehicle lineup.