Tesla is growing its lineup. We’ve known for a while that Tesla has been working on two new models, but during a recent shareholders meeting, CEO Elon Musk displayed a slide showing three cars under a white sheet. This hints that there are actually three new Tesla vehicles in the works. These additions could expand Tesla’s consumer lineup to eight vehicles, ideally offering something for everyone.
So, what exactly are these new vehicles? Although much is still unknown, Tesla has provided some information, and plenty of rumors have surfaced about the potential new models.
Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand a few things. First, Tesla is notorious for delays in launching vehicles. The company often pushes back release dates due to challenges in manufacturing and development. Even if our predictions are accurate, it may be years before we see these cars on the road.
However, the future of Tesla remains exciting. Here’s a look at what those mystery cars might be.
While electric vehicle prices might be dropping, we haven’t seen a true $25,000 EV yet. Tesla has long been rumored to be working on a more affordable car, often referred to as the “Model 2.” Musk has talked about cheaper models for years, so it’s not far-fetched to think one of these secret cars could be an entry-level model. Although some reports claim that Tesla has abandoned this idea, Musk has denied those claims.
If a Model 2 does launch, it would likely be smaller than the current Model 3 sedan, possibly featuring a hatchback or compact crossover design. It might have one motor powering the rear wheels, but a dual-motor option could also be available at a higher price. Ideally, it would offer about 300 miles of range, though a shorter range might be acceptable if it’s built more as a city car.
Another probable vehicle is the Tesla robotaxi, known as the “Cybercab,” set to be unveiled on August 8. Tesla has a strong focus on autonomous driving technology, albeit somewhat controversially. The covered vehicles shown in Musk’s slide have varied shapes, making it unclear which one could be the Cybercab. It could either be a smaller vehicle, similar in size to the Model 3, or a larger, van-like vehicle for carrying more passengers and luggage.
The rollout of the Cybercab could be complicated by local regulations and the controversies surrounding Tesla’s self-driving technology. This might mean the Cybercab will start in small, select regions. More details are likely to emerge on August 8.
Purely speculative, but some fans, myself included, are hoping for a real SUV from Tesla that can compete with vehicles like the Rivian R1S. This SUV would have three rows of seats and ample storage space for families. If Tesla releases such a model, it might borrow design elements from the Cybertruck but without the truck bed, extending the cabin to add a third row of seating and extra storage.
Lastly, if I had to guess, I would assume that the three vehicles are the Tesla Cybercab, the Model 2 (or whatever the affordable car is eventually called), and the long-awaited Tesla Roadster. It makes sense, as the Roadster is not shown anywhere else on the slide, and it was originally announced back in 2017 with an expected 2020 launch date, which was obviously delayed.
Since its announcement, Elon Musk has made some bold claims about the upcoming Roadster, even saying that it will have the ability to fly. While that remains to be seen, the Roadster looked spectacular when it was first announced, and hopefully, it will be released soon.