New information claims Tesla could launch two vans – possibly based on Cybertruck underpinnings – as early as 2024.
Tesla may be preparing to launch a new electric van in 2024, with the potential to be offered as both a commercial model as well as a more comfortable people-mover variant.
Planning documents published by a car-industry analyst firm in the US claim production of a Tesla van may commence in January 2024 at the company’s factory in Texas.
If the information – which has not been confirmed by Tesla – is accurate, the new model would be built alongside the Cybertruck, and could be based on the same platform as the upcoming ute.
In July 2022, Tesla CEO Elon Musk hinted at a “highly configurable Robovan for people & cargo,” while his Master Plan Part Deux from six years ago also pointed to a people-mover eventually joining the Tesla model range.
In 2016, Mr Musk also wrote on Twitter it “probably makes sense to build [a van] off the pick-up truck chassis”.
However, Mr Musk has also indicated Tesla’s next new model could be a smaller car, positioned as a cheaper model below the Model 3 and Model Y.
The production plan shows the Cybertruck will enter production next year, with both it and the future van reportedly to be built to 2030.
Much like the Mercedes-Benz Vito and the Volkswagen Transporter commercial vans, which are also offered as family haulers, it’s possible Tesla could create a courier-spec version and a people-mover variant from the same body.
These digital illustrations created by artist Theottle for Drive imagine what those models could look like (above and top).
Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Ford are all coming to market with battery-powered vans, while Tesla rival Rivian created an electric van for retail giant Amazon.
Electric commercial vans are expected to be increasingly adopted as ‘last-mile’ delivery vehicles in the coming years.
As many couriers distribute items to businesses and households within a certain area, it means their vehicles do not travel great distances despite being on the road all day – making electric vans ideal for the job.
Tesla hasn’t officially confirmed a van at this stage, but if the 2024 production-start date is accurate, the Robovan could be unveiled in 2023.
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