Roadster Combines SpaceX Technology, Mass Production Expected in 2028
Tesla's new-generation electric sports car Roadster combines propulsion technology from its space company SpaceX, with a lift-off-like propulsion effect, dubbed by the market as a flying car. The model is offered on an invitation-only basis and is expected to enter mass production in 2028. The Legislative Yuan Transportation Committee invited the Ministry of Transportation and Communications on the 4th for a business report and interpellation. Legislator Li Kun-ze raised concerns about the vehicle's future certification and management in Taiwan, asking the MOTC to take stock of regulations, inspection capacity and management mechanisms early, and clarify the competent authority to avoid a regulatory vacuum.
MOTC Has Started Discussions; CAA: Not an Aircraft
Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai said the MOTC has already begun discussing future regulatory restrictions in Taiwan, and will ask the Vehicle Safety Certification Center to review vehicle safety and specifications. As the vehicle is imported into Taiwan from abroad, many aspects require cross-ministerial clarification, with the MOTC mainly responsible for safety certification. Civil Aeronautics Administration Director-General He Shu-ping said the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration considers the vehicle not to be an aircraft, and its propulsion method is also not covered by civil aviation law. Li Kun-ze noted that the current vehicle certification system does not yet cover safety items such as flight propulsion systems and lift-off attitude control, and it must be clarified whether it falls under aircraft regulations.
Tesla Taiwan Has Not Consulted on Flying Car; Recently Only Applied for FSD Testing
On whether Tesla Taiwan has consulted the MOTC about the flying car, Chen Shih-kai said no related discussion has been received so far, and relevant information was obtained from the internet. Tesla Taiwan's recent application mainly concerns FSD, namely the Full Self-Driving supervised system operating under driver supervision, and the Vehicle Safety Certification Center is preparing for field testing. The MOTC stressed that imported vehicles must pass relevant safety certification to be licensed for use on roads in Taiwan, and it will continue to monitor Roadster specifications and overseas regulatory practices.
Three Major Issues for Import Certification; Inspection Capacity Yet to Be Built
Li Kun-ze noted that at least three major issues must be rigorously addressed for flying car imports and safety certification. First, current certification standards remain incomplete. Vehicle certification currently covers about 100 items, mainly for ground driving safety, but the flying car involves special functions such as propulsion systems and lift-off attitude control not yet included in current regulations, and certification standards will have to be adjusted. Second, inspection capacity remains to be built. The flying car involves high-pressure gas safety, vehicle stability and propulsion system inspection, especially fail-safe protection mechanisms, requiring professional testing capabilities, and he recommended early cooperation with the CAA, Taiwan Space Agency and other agencies. Third, management rules for non-road use and display still need clarification. If used only on tracks, non-road or private premises, different import and management rules may apply, and even display in enclosed venues requires attention to regulations and safety measures. He called on the MOTC to prepare early, clarify whether the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act needs adjustment, and confirm whether the certification scope covers components or the whole vehicle.