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.
MORE: Tesla Robovan – Elon Musk hints at a new model
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.
MORE: Tesla Cybertruck electric ute to break fast-charging power records, says Elon Musk
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.
The post Tesla Robovan could arrive in 2024 based on Cybertruck platform appeared first on Drive.
0 Response to "Tesla Robovan could arrive in 2024 based on Cybertruck platform"
Post a Comment