Tesla’s Enigmatic New Vehicles Spark Speculation
During Tesla’s recent shareholder meeting, CEO Elon Musk unveiled a glimpse of the company’s future. Besides showcasing their existing lineup, including the Model S, X, 3, Y, Semi, and Cybertruck, Musk presented an image featuring three new, yet-to-be-revealed vehicles.
Musk kept details under wraps, saying only, “Obviously we’ve got some new products that we’re working on under the covers. I think these are going to be pretty special.” The lack of specifics, while not unexpected from the often-exuberant CEO, has ignited considerable speculation across the automotive industry.
One of the vehicles is widely believed to be the Tesla robotaxi, which Musk has hinted will be unveiled on August 8th. During a recent earnings call, the autonomous vehicle even received a new moniker: the “Cybercab.”
So, which shrouded vehicle could be the robotaxi? One theory suggests that the vehicle farthest to the right, closest to the Cybertruck, may be the Cybercab. This pairing would align with Musk’s tendency to showcase his most futuristic products together.
Another possibility is the more van-shaped vehicle on the left. Considering Musk’s vision of a ride-hailing service that bridges the gap between Uber and Airbnb, a high-capacity autonomous vehicle makes sense. A van-like design could accommodate more passengers than the Model Y, similar to Waymo’s Chrysler Pacifica minivan.
During the presentation, a shareholder inquired about the potential for a high-volume electric van suitable for 13 passengers. Musk responded with a laugh, stating that he would “add it to my list.” Tesla has previously alluded to the idea of a van, mentioning “high passenger-density urban transport” and even autonomous buses in its Master Plan Part Deux. The company also listed “bus” and “commercial/passenger vans” as “TBD” in Master Plan Part 3.
If we assume that the robotaxi is located on the right and the boxy vehicle on the left is perhaps a van, the vehicle in the upper left corner remains an intriguing mystery. Could it be the long-awaited refreshed Tesla Roadster, or perhaps the compact and more affordable “Model 2”?
The Model 2, a name never officially confirmed by Musk, has been the subject of much speculation and anticipation. Tesla investors have strongly advocated for its development, although Musk’s commitment has been less enthusiastic. In 2016, Musk stated that a less expensive vehicle than the Model 3 “is unlikely to be necessary.” However, earlier this year, he recommitted to the idea amidst pressure from investors.
Musk’s attention seems to be increasingly drawn to the fields of AI and robotics. He dedicated several minutes of yesterday’s presentation to the Tesla Optimus humanoid robots, barely mentioning the company’s existing vehicle products. In his view, Tesla’s future might not be on four wheels but on two legs.
