In a dramatic shift that has fans buzzing with excitement and confusion, Tesla's plans for the much-anticipated Model 2 have been scrapped! Company CEO, Elon Musk, is steering the ship towards the future of transportation, focusing on autonomous vehicles and the highly anticipated Robotaxi. Speaking during the Tesla Q3 earnings briefing, Musk made it clear, “I think we’ve made it very clear that the future is autonomous. I think having a regular €30,000 model is pointless. It would be silly. It would be completely at odds with what we believe.”
The once-speculated 'Model 2' was poised to be a more compact and accessible version of Tesla’s popular offerings. At last year’s annual shareholder meeting, the excitement was palpable as Tesla unveiled a teaser image of the Model 2, showcasing a sleek, curving roofline that echoed the familiar design cues of the Model 3 and Model Y. Hopes were high that this vehicle would capture the essence of the Tesla experience in a smaller, more economical package. However, instead of the Model 2 rolling out into the spotlight, the Robotaxi has seized the opportunity to take centre stage.
The Robotaxi is on track to become Tesla's affordable answer to urban mobility, slated to hit the roads around the same timeframe as the previously speculated Model 2. Priced at approximately 30,000 euros, this innovative vehicle will occupy a price range not dissimilar to the now-cancelled Model 2, giving potential buyers a chance to hop on board the Tesla train without breaking the bank. With hopes for a low entry price and advanced technology, the anticipation surrounding the Robotaxi is already reaching fever pitch!
While the cancellation of the Model 2 is a blow to those eagerly awaiting a more budget-friendly Tesla, fear not! Tesla isn't sitting idly by. The existing lineup of electric vehicles will continue to receive updates, ensuring that each model remains at the forefront of automotive innovation. Looking forward to next year, excitement is building for the revamped Model Y 'Juniper' SUV. If it mirrors the features and price reductions of the recently revamped Model 3, we could see this new SUV hitting the market at a tantalizingly low starting price of around 42,000 euros—an enticing option for potential buyers!
The news about the Model 2’s cancellation will undoubtedly stir mixed emotions among the Tesla community. Some may feel a sense of disappointment, while others are likely to celebrate this bold move towards a future dominated by autonomous capabilities. The electric vehicle market is evolving rapidly, and with Tesla at the forefront, there’s no doubt that thrilling advancements are just around the corner.
The Robotaxi represents a pivotal moment in Tesla’s strategy, catering to the need for sustainable and accessible transportation options. The company is not just content to produce vehicles; it aims to revolutionize how we think about transportation entirely. With the emphasis on autonomy, Tesla is pushing boundaries and challenging traditional automotive norms. Do you think the decision to abandon the Model 2 was wise? Or do you believe that a more affordable option would have stood strong alongside the current offerings?