END OF CHINA: Elon Musk announces Tesla’s $75,759 electric plane, finally available to the masses
“One exciting thing would be some kind of electric supersonic vertical takeoff aircraft with supersonic landing.” – Elon Musk
In a thunderous announcement that could shake the foundations of global aviation and deprive China of its dominance in electric transportation, Elon Musk has just unveiled the Tesla Model Aerus —an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at an industry-shattering price of $75,759 .
Just days after former President Donald Trump lifted the 52-year-old ban on supersonic flights in American airspace by executive order, Musk took the stage at the Tesla Gigafactory in Nevada to unveil the “beginning of a new era of human travel.” With the precision and flair we’ve come to expect from Tesla, the aircraft was unveiled in full flight mode—quiet, fast, and fully electric.
The shocking price
Let’s talk about the number that brought the internet to a standstill: $75,759 .
In an industry where electric aircraft often cost between $300,000 and $2 million , Musk’s price is downright outrageous. Industry experts were baffled, and critics called Tesla bluff—until the specifications were revealed, proving that the Model Aerus was not a stripped-down prototype, but a fully-fledged private electric aircraft.
So why so cheap?
“Elon is doing to aviation what he did with cars: driving down prices while increasing performance,” said aerospace analyst Marco Lee of AeroTrends Global. “This is a strategic move to squeeze out not only domestic competition but also foreign competition—especially China.”
China: Enthront?
China has long been a leader in electromobility, from electric vehicles to drones to flying taxis. Companies like XPeng AeroHT and EHang were considered pioneers. But Tesla’s latest move changes everything.
China’s state-backed eVTOL projects—still stuck in regulatory limbo and in the prototype phase—now face a nightmare scenario: a mass-market-ready American competitor that’s cheaper, faster, and backed by the most recognizable name in EV innovation.
“This is the ‘iPhone moment’ of electric aviation,” tweeted tech investor Chamath Palihapitiya. “And it’s Made in the USA. “
Key specifications of the Tesla Model Aerus
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Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL)
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Range (flight): 420 miles on a full charge
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Top speed: 760 mph (subsonic, supersonic variant under development)
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Seating: 2 passengers
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Autopilot Aeronautics: Improved Tesla AI with 360° airspace surveillance
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Charging: Tesla HyperAir Pad – 80% charge in 20 minutes
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Noise profile: 65 dB (quieter than a lawnmower)
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Carbon emissions: Zero
One of the most revolutionary features is compatibility with Tesla’s existing Supercharger network. Many of these charging stations are being retrofitted with “HyperAir Pads” to support electric aircraft charging.
Designed for the sky and the masses
Musk confirmed that the first batch of Model Aerus electric aircraft will be delivered in late 2026. Initial test flights are already underway in Nevada and Arizona. Pre-orders are now open, with over 180,000 reservations received within the first 48 hours.
The aircraft’s sleek shape—resembling a cross between a Tesla Roadster and a military drone—was designed by Franz von Holzhausen, who called it “the most emotional and elegant vehicle Tesla has ever built.”
More importantly, Tesla is making it accessible to everyone. The aircraft can be piloted manually or flown autonomously, and training is included for all buyers. Musk noted, “In the long run, you don’t need to be a pilot. You just need a destination.”
A final word from Musk
“This isn’t just about an airplane,” Musk said as the Aerus model landed vertically behind him. “It’s about freedom—freedom from traffic, from pollution, from outdated systems. We’re putting the skies back in the hands of the people.”
As Wall Street reacts, the traditional aviation industry falters, and Chinese companies rush to respond, one thing is undeniable:
Tesla’s electric plane has redrawn the map of human mobility—and shattered China’s dreams.
Ready for takeoff? The future has just taken off.
