When Tesla posted videos Thursday evening Showing his new electric sports car flying over a line of cars and trucks, he blew viewers away but also raised a big question: How the hell would this thing be regulated?
At least one federal agency says it’s not its responsibility.
“The Tesla vehicle does not meet the FAA’s definition of an airplane,” the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement to POLITICO, meaning the agency would not need to certify that the vehicle is airworthy. The agency did not immediately respond to a follow-up request regarding its general jurisdiction over the airspace.
At present, much is unknown about the Tesla Roadster, made in collaboration with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and equipped with thrusters. Production is expected to start in 2028. During the demonstration Thursday in Texas, MuskTesla CEO, said the sports car would eventually be the company’s only manually driven vehicle in its model lineup.
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