Tesla is synonymous with electric cars, a reputation that has undoubtedly helped it gain more than 6 million buyers. In fact, in 2024, Tesla continues to lead in brand loyalty for automakers in America, S&P Global said on August 8, 2024, with a rate of 67.8 percent for the first half of 2024.
Now, let’s take a look at the future Tesla cars that are expected to be launched in the U.S. by mid-decade. Note that the article is a compilation of information from various sources (official and unofficial), and the timelines are speculative.
Tesla Cybertruck ‘Cyberbeast’ (Late 2024)
Tesla launched the Cybertruck in November 2023 in three variants: Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, and Cyberbeast, priced at USD 60,990, USD 79,990, and USD 99,990, respectively. Initial deliveries went to pre-order customers, with new orders set for 2024 delivery.
By August 2024, Tesla quietly discontinued the Rear-Wheel Drive variant and raised the prices of the All-Wheel Drive and Cyberbeast models to USD 99,990 and USD 119,990. The company had initially stated that the launch prices were estimates. Alongside this change, the estimated range for the All-Wheel Drive dropped from 340 to 318 miles, and the Cyberbeast from 320 to 301 miles.
The Cyberbeast packs a Triple-Motor AWD system delivering 845 hp and a staggering 10,296 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60 mph sprint in just 2.6 seconds, 130 mph top speed, and an 11,000-pound towing capacity, it’s raw power with serious capability.
The All-Wheel Drive Cybertruck is currently being delivered, while the Tesla Cyberbeast remains on track for an Oct-Dec 2024 release. Production continues at Tesla’s Giga Texas plant in Austin, Texas.
New Tesla Model Y (Early 2025)
Following the new Model 3 and the Cybertruck, Tesla will refresh the Model Y. A report published on March 1, 2023, by Reuters describes the new Tesla Model Y internally as ‘Tesla Juniper,’ and we’re expecting production of the U.S.-spec units to begin early next year.
Spy shots of test prototypes confirm that the facelifted Tesla Model Y will feature new bumpers, reshaped headlamps, and fresh wheels. We expect interior changes to include a new steering wheel with scroll and touch-operated buttons, a new touchscreen infotainment system that can be rotated like that of the new Model S and new Model X, new dashboard trim a fully digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, a new 17-speaker sound system, an 8-inch rear touchscreen, an ambient lighting system, etc.
According to a reliable source within Tesla, the new Model Y is set to have significant changes in specifications, as reported by Tesla Tech Central. The updates will reportedly include a new battery architecture that enables a higher range of 400 miles (currently, the maximum EPA-est. range is 330 miles). The vehicle’s suspension is expected to be upgraded for better handling of road imperfections, and an upgraded powertrain is also on the horizon.
Tesla Roadster (2025)
The next-gen Tesla Roadster made a surprise debut on November 17, 2017, at Tesla’s Hawthorne facility in California. Originally planned to showcase the Tesla Semi, the event stunned attendees worldwide with the unexpected unveiling of the two-door sports car.
Speaking to Ryan McCaffrey of Ride the Lightning podcast, Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen said that the delay behind the Roadster project has allowed the company to build a far more competitive product, even surpassing Tesla’s initial expectations.
The company has had ideas to boost the maximum torque & RPM figures of the Model S Plaid’s tri-electric motors, Musk said in a tweet on June 13, 2021. Considering what von Holzhausen also said regarding the halo project, it’s possible that the Roadster may arrive with well over 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb.-ft. It’s also expected to have a top speed north of 250 mph, and a dedicated platform with all-wheel drive.
On February 28, 2024, Elon Musk stoked excitement with a series of tweets about the next-gen Roadster. He revealed, “Tonight, we radically increased the design goals for the new Tesla Roadster.” Referring to the project’s unprecedented nature he added, “There will never be another car like this, if you could even call it a car.”
Musk also mentioned a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, with the production design finalized and an unveiling planned for the end of the year. He teased, “I think it has a shot at being the most mind-blowing product demo of all time,” noting that the Roadster’s sub-one-second 0-60 mph acceleration is merely the “least interesting part” of this electric sportscar.
The next-gen Tesla Roadster is expected to enter production and go on sale in 2025.
Tesla Robotaxi (2025)
Elon Musk announced the plan for the Robotaxi at the Tesla Autonomy Day on April 22, 2019. In the event held at the brand’s former headquarters in Palo Alto, California, Musk claimed the Robotaxi would cost “a couple of hundred thousand dollars”.
On September 12, 2023, Simon & Schuster released the Elon Musk biography by bestselling author Walter Isaacson, giving us our first look at an early Robotaxi concept. The model looks like a futuristic show car imagined in the early 2000s. It has a wedge-shaped compact body, a notably short hood, a super-sleek glass panel that seems to integrate a low windscreen and the roof, scissor doors, covered front wheels, and concealed rear wheels.
The early Robotaxi prototype is a two-door car with two seats and space for two suitcases in the back. If Tesla is in tune with the market, the driverless taxi should accommodate at least five passengers and a spacious trunk that can store at least five suitcases. Such a car would make for a great airport shuttle, and that’s just one of many potential use cases.
Tesla plans to unveil the final Robotaxi on October 10, 2024, Musk said during the company’s Q2 2024 earnings conference call on July 23, 2024. The brand boss is optimistic that he will deploy the driverless EV on the road in 2025. Musk also indicated that the company could introduce this model as ‘Cybertaxi’ and said that it will manufacture the self-driving EV at Giga Texas.
During the Q2 2024 earnings conference call, Musk said Tesla will allow customers also to make money from the Robotaxi/Cybertaxi, implying the company will sell/lease the new self-driving EV to regular people. Customers will be able to allocate it in Tesla’s fleet program when they don’t need it for personal use, the same way they list their real estate properties on Airbnb. Tesla will charge a commission for this service, though, taking a share of their revenue.
While he didn’t divulge specifics regarding robotaxis, in the podcast with Ryan McCaffrey, Franz von Holzhausen said that Tesla is aware of how customers presently utilize ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. He pointed out the relative lack of comfort in the rear seats of these cars, which he believes can be improved. It’s possible that von Holzhausen is hinting at what the Robotaxi would offer in terms of features, space, and comfort.
Tesla Minivan (2028)
Elon Musk’s tweet on July 7, 2022, had the CEO hinting at the possibility of a Tesla Minivan in people-carrier and cargo-hauler configurations. When the ‘Tesla Owners Silicon Valley’ handle asked Musk if such a model was indeed likely, Musk replied with a simple wink emoji.
Musk also tweeted regarding the electric van’s likelihood of featuring a roof with extendable solar panels, with another tweet stating that the panels could be large enough to offer shade for those under it.
Tesla could equip the electric minivan with its autonomous driving tech and have an interior roomy enough to allow occupants and their luggage to co-exist in harmony. Meanwhile, commercial operators may find the fully-electric van that could, most likely, be charged rapidly using Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network quite handy in their day-to-day operations.
There is no official update on the Tesla minivan, but we expect it to be available in the U.S. market by 2028.
Next-gen Tesla Model S (2026)
The Tesla Model S is 12 years old, but its futuristic character and consistent technical upgrades have helped it stay in shape to tackle fast-growing competition in recent years. However, visually, it’s long been in the tooth, so many prospective customers would want to see it in a whole new avatar.
Tesla could already be developing an improved/next-gen Model S secretly, targeting a launch timeframe of 2026 or 2027. It’s safe to assume this high-volume car would be its priority after releasing the compact EV slotted below the Model 3/Model Y.
We’re expecting Tesla to engineer the next-gen Model S (and the next-gen Model X) on a completely new platform and use new batteries that operate at 800 volts or higher, paving the way for remarkable improvements in performance and charging. Additionally, we look forward to enhanced rear seat comfort and features in the new Model S, with specific variants designed to prioritize rear passenger experience.
The first hints of its design and technology could be seen in the next-gen Roadster, which it plans to launch in 2025. Note that Tesla has not confirmed a new Model S.
I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.
