Tesla’s recent “We, Robot” event lived up to the expectations set by Elon Musk and the company, focusing on themes of autonomy, robotics, and future innovations. However, the anticipated Model 2 was notably absent from the lineup, leading Gene Munster to speculate on the reasoning behind this decision.
“The one thing missing from tonight’s event was the topic of the ‘more affordable’ vehicle. I believe the car is still planned for a late 2025 release, but the company opted not to discuss it to avoid triggering the Osborne Effect, which could lead Model 3 customers to delay their purchases,” Munster commented in a post on X.
Prior to the “We, Robot” event, Munster and his colleague at Deepwater had predicted that Tesla would reveal three vehicles: the Cybercab, Cybervan, and Model 2. They had envisioned the Model 2 as a more basic variant of the Model 3.
Unfortunately, the Model 2 did not make an appearance at “We, Robot.” Many online observers theorize its absence was due to its incongruity with the event’s focus on autonomy and robotics. Nevertheless, some insights shared by Elon Musk regarding the Cybercab might offer glimpses into the planned Model 2.
The one missing topic from tonight’s event was the “more affordable” vehicle.
This was Elon’s “A” topic from the last earnings call, where he mentioned the start of production as early to mid-2025… or maybe even late 2024.
My sense is that the car is still on the roadmap for…
— Gene Munster (@munster_gene) October 11, 2024
Teslarati’s Insights on Model 2 [Opinion]
Although Tesla has yet to disclose detailed information about the Model 2, Elon Musk previously hinted at a more affordable model during the recent earnings call.
“We won’t delve deeply into the product roadmap here, as that’s designated for product announcement events. However, we are on track to introduce a more affordable model in the first half of the year,” Musk pointed out during Tesla’s Q2 2024 earnings call.
The Cybercab is expected to be the autonomous counterpart to Model 2, differing primarily by the absence of a steering wheel. With plans for the Cybercab to go live next year, the unveiling of Model 2 may not be too far off.
There is speculation that Tesla might host a separate event to launch the Model 2, as suggested by Musk’s comments in the Q2 2024 earnings call. Considering the timeline Musk provided, this launch could take place at the start of 2025.
Regarding price, Tesla may aim for a $25,000 tag for the Model 2. Musk has indicated that the Cybercab will cost less than $30,000, suggesting that the Model 2, with a similar design, would likely be priced in the same range.
As for its design, Gene Munster’s speculation may hold merit. The Model 2 might indeed be a more basic version of the Model 3, capable of accommodating more than two passengers and featuring a less futuristic aesthetic.
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