Ex-Tesla president: Roadster delay is about getting closer to SpaceX ahead of merger

This is Tesla and SpaceX news, not a home energy story, so there is nothing here that affects a homeowner's own upgrades or rebates.

For context: a former Tesla president, Jon McNeill, says the long-delayed next-generation Roadster is being held up by SpaceX-developed thruster technology meant to let the car "hover," and that the project is really a way to tie Tesla and SpaceX closer together ahead of a possible merger of the two companies. Tesla first unveiled the new Roadster in 2017 with production promised for 2020, backed by reservations up to $50,000 and full $250,000 payments from some early buyers. The car has since been delayed at least nine times, most recently because of work on the SpaceX thruster system. A demo, possibly showing the car hovering using ground-facing cold-gas thrusters, is expected soon, likely run without a driver due to noise from the thrusters.

None of this touches home energy efficiency, rebates, or upgrades. If you're weighing decisions about your own house, this story is worth skimming only if you're curious about Tesla as a company, not because it changes anything about heat pumps, weatherization, or energy costs at home.