Tesla on the ground vs Tesla in the sky

While battery-powered three-wheelers, popularly known as ‘Bangl Tesla’, serve everyday commuters in Bangladesh, US electric vehicle maker Tesla has unveiled a futuristic Roadster featuring thrusters designed to enable mid-air manoeuvres.

The two vehicles represent very different sides of electric mobility. In Bangladesh, ‘Bangla Tesla’ has drawn attention over road safety, regulation and taxation. The Business Standard reported in May that the National Board of Revenue was considering advance income tax on battery-run auto-rickshaws.

Meanwhile, Tesla’s newly unveiled Roadster has attracted global attention for its ambitious flying capabilities. However, a Business Insider report published on October 16, titled “3 fine-print disclaimers from Musk and Tesla about the new flying Roadster you should probably know about”, highlighted three key uncertainties.

The Roadster’s rocket-equipped version is not approved for public road use, its final price remains uncertain, and Tesla has not guaranteed when or whether reserved vehicles will be delivered. Production could begin in 2028, although the timeline remains uncertain.

While Bangladesh’s battery-powered three-wheelers provide everyday transport, Tesla’s Roadster remains a high-performance project whose futuristic features and commercial future are yet to be fully realised.