Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced plans to demonstrate a flying car prototype before the end of 2025, reviving a promise he has made repeatedly since 2014. The billionaire made the claim during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, discussing the long-delayed second-generation Tesla Roadster.
Tesla Roadster Delays and New Promises
The new Roadster, originally scheduled for launch in 2020, remains unreleased. When host Joe Rogan inquired about the vehicle’s status, Musk responded cryptically about an upcoming demonstration.
“We’re getting close to demonstrating the prototype. One thing I can guarantee is that this product demo will be unforgettable. Unforgettable,” Elon Muskstated, adding: “Whether it’s good or bad, it will be unforgettable.”
Flying Car Hints by Elon Musk
Later in the conversation, Elon Muskreferenced investor Peter Thiel’s observation about the absence of flying cars in the modern era, suggesting his prototype might address this gap. When Rogan asked about retractable wings, Musk deflected, saying he “can’t do the unveil before the unveil,” but promised it has “a shot at being the most memorable product unveil ever.”
Elon Muskdescribed the technology as extraordinary: “You know, we need to make sure that it works. Like this is some crazy, crazy technology we got in this car. Crazy technology. Crazy crazy.”
He elaborated: “It has crazy technology. Like, is it even a car? I’m not sure. It looks like a car. Let’s just put it this way, it’s crazier than anything James Bond. If you took all the James Bond cars and combined them, it’s crazier than that.”
Historical Context
Musk has a documented pattern of announcing ambitious projects years before production readiness. His Hyperloop concept, promising 700mph vacuum-tube transportation, resulted in a Las Vegas tunnel where human-driven Teslas operate at conventional speeds.
His Cybercab autonomous vehicle, unveiled in 2024, remains unavailable commercially, while Texas Robotaxis still require human safety drivers.
Technical Challenges
Speculation suggests the vehicle might be a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft rather than a traditional car. Flying cars have existed since the 1950s but never achieved mainstream adoption due to complexity and regulatory requirements. Unless fully autonomous, such vehicles would require licensed pilots.
Whether Musk delivers a revolutionary transportation breakthrough or another promotional spectacle remains uncertain.
