Tesla Cybertruck
The production of the Tesla Cybertruck will begin in mid-2023 at the company’s plant in Texas. Image Source: Tesla
Tesla CEO and co-founder Elon Musk has confirmed the company has locked the final design of the Tesla Cybertruck. The company expects to start its series production at the Giga Texas factory that currently builds the Model Y in mid-2023.
Production of the tri-motor AWD (originally priced USD 69,900) and dual-motor AWD (originally priced USD 49,900) variants is likely to begin first, and the single-motor RWD (originally priced USD 39,900) variant may enter production later. Musk has confirmed a quad-motor variant as well, but he hasn’t revealed its position in the launch sequence.
A performance monster like the Cybertruck deserves the new 4680 cells, but limited production is likely to compel Tesla to use the older 2170 cells in some or all the configurations initially. On December 25, 2022, Tesla revealed (via Twitter) an achievement of manufacturing 868,000 units of the 4680 cells in a week, but that capacity was enough to power just 1,000+ EVs, presumably Model Ys.
Tesla is already manufacturing beta pre-production prototypes of the Cybertruck. Musk found one of those units incredible when he reviewed it. He forecasts production of the final version kicking off in Summer 2023 and ramping up in 2024. Thus, deliveries should begin during the second half of 2023, but in extremely limited volumes.
2024 Tesla Model 3
Tesla is testing the Model 3 with covered front and rear fascias, suggesting it will give the electric sedan a facelift with the 2024 model year update. The 2024 Tesla Model 3 could feature revised headlights and tail lights, new bumpers, and an updated ADAS sensor suite. One of the prototypes spotted on the streets has allegedly shown a new camera module integrated into the headlamps.
The interior of the Tesla Model 3 facelift could consist of a redesigned dashboard, 1an optional steering yoke, and a new central display with a swiveling function. Moreover, quality of materials in the new model could be better. There’s no word on any specification changes.
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 could go on sale in the U.S. in Summer 2023, as per media reports. Note that Tesla has not confirmed changes for the Model 3.
Tesla Roadster
Following the Cybertruck, Tesla’s immediate focus in the passenger line-up will be the second-gen Roadster. Tesla has significantly improved the performance it can deliver in its series models since the unveiling of the second-gen Roadster concept in November 2017. So, expect the production version to be even more capable than originally promised.
The next-gen Roadster will likely boast single-piece casting, AWD with up to four motors, and a battery pack consisting of 4680 cells. The concept version’s battery pack capacity is 200 kWh, enough to cover a distance of 620 miles. Its 0-60 mph acceleration time is just as impressive – 1.9 seconds! That’s possible with a tri-motor setup, and a quad-motor powertrain in the production version, if offered, could allow even quicker acceleration. Depending on the variant, the top speed could be as high as 250+ mph.
Prices of the next-gen Roadster will likely start at around USD 200,000. Tesla will face competition from the Fisker Project Ronin-derived electric sports car for this model.
