Tesla’s recently held “We, Robot” event delivered exactly what was expected—an exploration into autonomy, robotics, and futuristic technologies. However, one key product was noticeably absent: the highly anticipated Model 2. Gene Munster has a compelling theory on why that was the case.
“The one topic missing from tonight’s presentation was the ‘affordable’ vehicle,” Munster noted in a post on X. “I suspect the car is still part of Tesla’s roadmap, likely for release in late 2025. However, discussing it now would have likely triggered the Osborne Effect, leading potential Model 3 buyers to delay their purchases.”
Ahead of the “We, Robot” event, Munster and his team at Deepwater had predicted that Tesla might introduce three new models: the Cybercab, Cybervan, and Model 2. The expectation was that the Model 2 would be a more economical, scaled-down version of the Model 3.
Despite this, Tesla chose not to reveal the Model 2 during the event. Many online speculators believe this was due to the event’s focus on autonomy and robotics, rather than electric vehicles. Yet, hints about the Cybercab’s features may offer clues as to what the Model 2 could eventually look like.
Our Perspective on the Model 2 [Opinion]
Although Tesla hasn’t officially shared details on the Model 2, Elon Musk hinted at a more affordable model during the company’s latest earnings call.
“We won’t go into the product roadmap much here—that’s reserved for specific product announcements. However, we are on track to deliver a more budget-friendly model in the first half of the year,” Musk stated during Tesla’s Q2 2024 earnings call.
The Cybercab, set to debut next year, is expected to be an autonomous variant of the Model 2, with the key difference being the presence of a steering wheel in the Model 2. Given the Cybercab’s imminent launch, it stands to reason that a Model 2 unveiling could be just around the corner.
Tesla may plan a dedicated event to reveal the Model 2, as hinted by Musk’s comments during the earnings call. If Musk’s timeline holds, this event could take place in early 2025.
As for the price, many expect the Model 2 to stick close to the rumored $25,000 price point. With the Cybercab expected to come in under $30,000, it seems plausible that the Model 2—sharing many of the same design elements—would be priced similarly.
In terms of design, Gene Munster’s guess may be on the mark. The Model 2 is likely to be a stripped-down version of the Model 3, optimized for affordability. While it may not feature the futuristic look of Tesla’s more premium models, it will likely accommodate more than two passengers and offer practical, everyday utility.
