It's been over seven years since Elon Musk first teased the second-generation Tesla Roadster, a futuristic sports car promising jaw-dropping acceleration and a rocket-powered boost.
Yet, here we are in 2025 and the Roadster is still nowhere to be seen on public roads. Meanwhile, Chinese automaker BYD has stolen the spotlight with a real, functioning electric hypercar that performs like a beast and comes with an outrageous party trick: it can jump over potholes, police spikes and other obstacles.
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Tesla's Elusive Roadster
Back in 2017, Musk confidently declared that the Tesla Roadster would launch in 2020, setting performance standards no other car could touch. It was supposed to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds, hit a top speed of over 250 mph and finish a quarter-mile in just 8.8 seconds. Musk now says the Roadster will launch in 2025 with even more outrageous features, such as SpaceX-sourced rocket technology and a sub-second time to 60 mph.
But is it realistic? Experts think not. Achieving such acceleration would require forces 2.8 times stronger than gravity, which would likely leave drivers feeling dizzy or worse. Adding rockets may sound cool, but making them practical – or safe – on public roads is another story. And the idea of a "flying car" raises even more questions, from engineering challenges to FAA regulations. In short, the Tesla Roadster feels more like a fantasy than a car you'll see in your driveway anytime soon.
BYD's Yangwang U9 – A Real-Life Marvel
While Tesla's Roadster remains a promise, BYD has delivered the goods. Their Yangwang U9 is an all-electric hypercar with jaw-dropping capabilities. Priced at $236,000, the U9 features a 1,287-horsepower drivetrain that goes from 0 to 60 mph in 2.36 seconds, rivaling Tesla's Model S Plaid. But it's the car's suspension system that sets it apart.
Using BYD's DiSus-X intelligent suspension, the U9 can leap up to six meters forward to clear potholes, road spikes and other obstacles. In a recent demo, the self-driving car hit 75 mph and jumped over an eight-foot pothole without a human behind the wheel. This system also lets the car "dance" to music and even drive with three wheels, making it a true engineering showpiece.
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BYD is known for its affordable EVs, but the Yangwang brand represents its move into the luxury space. In addition to the U9, the range features unusual cars like an SUV that can float on water for 30 minutes in an emergency. The company's innovations aren't just for show – they're part of a larger strategy to challenge Tesla's dominance in high-end and affordable EV markets.
While Musk's Tesla continues to grab headlines with bold claims and delayed promises, BYD is quietly reshaping the EV landscape with practical, high-performance vehicles that push boundaries. The U9 may not fly or reach rocket-assisted speeds, but it's a real car you can buy.
The question is: will Tesla's elusive Roadster ever live up to its hype or has BYD already leaped ahead in the EV race?
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