Elon Musk hints at flying car reveal during Joe Rogan’s show

Elon Musk drops a bold flying car tease

When Elon Musk joined Joe Rogan’s podcast, he surprised everyone by saying Tesla might show off a flying car prototype before the end of the year, according to Engadget. Rogan had asked about the long-delayed Tesla Roadster, but Musk turned the conversation toward something far more futuristic.

He said the project was “getting close” to a demo and hinted it could be “the most memorable product unveil ever,” as reported by WLOS. His excitement suggested that Tesla might finally be entering the world of personal aerial vehicles.

The Roadster that started it all

Tesla first revealed its second-generation Roadster in 2017, calling it the fastest car in the world. The company had planned deliveries by 2020, but those never materialized.

Even now, production remains delayed, and customers, such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have voiced frustration about waiting years for refunds on hefty deposits, according to El Balad. This long wait highlights how Musk’s ambitious timelines frequently clash with real-world production challenges.

From delays to a daring leap

When Rogan pressed Musk about the long-overdue Roadster, the Tesla boss shifted focus. Instead of discussing delays, he began describing a vehicle that might literally take off, as noted by Engagdet.

He claimed the prototype involves “crazy, crazy technology” but wouldn’t confirm if it had retractable wings or vertical takeoff ability. His vague answers left fans wondering whether this “car” would actually be something entirely new.

Musk’s obsession with flying cars

Musk’s dream of flying cars isn’t new; he’s talked about them as far back as 2014. At the time, it sounded like pure science fiction, yet his recent remarks suggest he’s more serious than ever.

Still, his history shows that Musk tends to overpromise. Musk’s timelines have slipped before (e.g., the Falcon Heavy was launched years after its early targets), underscoring that ambitious programs can face prolonged delays.

“The future was supposed to have flying cars”

On the podcast, Musk referenced billionaire Peter Thiel’s old reflection: “The future was supposed to have flying cars.” Then Musk added, “If Peter wants a flying car, we should be able to buy one,” Engadget reported.

His remark blended humor and ambition, two trademarks of Musk’s. But it also hinted at his frustration that the world hasn’t advanced faster in transportation innovation.

An unforgettable product demo ahead

Musk said the planned Roadster prototype demo could arrive ‘by year-end’ and be ‘unforgettable,’ while stressing the team must ‘make sure that it works.

His comments hinted that the technology may already exist in testing form. Fans are now speculating that Tesla’s most ambitious launch ever could be right around the corner.

A tough track record on timelines

Musk’s ambitious deadlines are legendary and often met with failure. The original Roadster and even SpaceX projects all faced delays, according to Engadget.

Despite this, Musk’s reputation for eventually delivering on impossible ideas keeps investors and fans hooked. They know that even if he’s late, he usually brings something revolutionary to the table.

Market pressures still linger

The tease of a flying Tesla comes as challenges mount for the electric vehicle industry. In 2025, federal policy changes ended the U.S. new-EV tax credit for vehicles acquired after Sept. 30, 2025, following Republican-backed legislation and IRS guidance, headwinds for EV demand.

Such cuts could hurt demand for Tesla and other automakers who rely on incentives. A flying car reveal might be Musk’s way to reignite excitement and keep Tesla’s edge in innovation.

Could Tesla’s prototype change travel forever?

If Tesla truly has a working flying car prototype, it could mark a massive shift in personal transportation. Still, experts caution that regulatory and safety hurdles could delay the real-world use, as noted by Engadget.

Even if the concept dazzles, it might take years before consumers can actually fly one. But as Musk hinted, it’s not about practicality right now; it’s about proving the impossible can happen.

China’s Xpeng prepares for liftoff

While Tesla teases its plans, China’s Xpeng Motors is already setting dates. Xpeng AeroHT, its flying car division, aims to begin limited deliveries as early as 2025, although some reports indicate 2026.

The company’s “Land Aircraft Carrier” combines a six-wheeled ground module with a detachable flying module. It’s designed for both road and low-altitude travel, serving as a hybrid that bridges the gap between cars and aircraft.

The flying car with a twist

Xpeng’s concept stands out for its modular design. Drivers can use it as a regular car, then detach the flying part for short-distance air trips, according to Nikkei Asia.

The company says it will first target China’s consumer market, with pricing discussed at or above RMB 1 million ($140,000), depending on the configuration and market. Buyers will be allowed to fly only in approved areas during initial testing phases.

Think Tesla’s Model 3 Performance has no real rival? Please wait until you see what Kia has planned for its upcoming EV4 GT.

China’s push for “low-altitude economy”

China is backing flying car technology in a big way. Nikkei Asia noted that in 2021, the government introduced the concept of the “low-altitude economy” into national planning.

By 2025, approximately 30 provincial-level regions had referenced the “low-altitude economy” in their work reports/policies, and it also appeared in China’s 2024 national Government Work Report.

Beijing aims to lead the world in electric aviation, much like it has set global standards for 5G and 6 G technology. This national support gives Xpeng a significant advantage over international competitors.

Think the Tesla Model Y and XPeng G6 own the road? The new Zeekr 7X SUV is stepping up to prove there’s fresh competition in the electric SUV race.

What do you think about the future of flying cars — are they the next big leap or just hype? Please share your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you stand.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.