From the arrival of the Tesla Cybertruck, to the recently revealed Cybercab Robotaxi, it seems we’ve been writing a lot about Tesla this year. And with reason. The entire company is focusing on an important shift in how it’ll manufacture and sell its vehicles, while continuing its development of self-driving technology, and improving its Supercharger fast-charging infrastructure.
Just earlier this week, we reported on the rumored Model Q, which points to what could finally be the sub-$30,000 model Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been alluding to for quite some time now. And it’s all scheduled to arrive next year, a period in history when there’s a lot of uncertainty around the electric vehicle (EV) industry, while some automakers like Nissan, Stellantis and Volkswagen appear to be going through a meltdown. Here’s why 2025 is looking to be a great year for Tesla.
Tesla Might Launch The “Affordable” Model Q In 2025
Tesla – more particularly Elon Musk – is well known for making bold promises and delivering late. But Tesla also has a reputation for delivering. We may need to take the company’s recent promises with a grain of salt, but it does seem as though Tesla is about to considerably improve its model lineup next year through a variety of new products.
The obvious one is the Model Q. Although we still know very little about this mysterious affordable EV, Tesla’s own Travis Axelrod, in charge of investor relations, confirmed the carmaker’s plans to launch this vehicle next year during an investor meeting with Deutsche Bank. There are even well-founded rumors that the car itself will be roughly the size of a Honda Fit, or about 28 inches shorter and 30% lighter than a Model 3. Internally known as “Project Redwood” at Tesla, the Model Q could be powered by a choice of two LFP batteries (for lithium iron phosphate), with a capacity of either 53 or 75 kWh, as well as single or dual motor configurations.
But on a more well-founded basis, Tesla is also preparing the long-awaited refresh of the Model Y, also known by its Juniper code name. It would be totally fair to assume that we will see this updated model – which will take much of its styling queues from the recently updated Model 3 – around the beginning of next year.
Like the Model 3 Highland, the Model Y Juniper aims to improve the vehicle in areas that matter, such as its suspension geometry, overall refinement, NVH (for noise, vibration and harshness) and, more importantly, build quality. And while we’re on the topic of the Model Y, it’s almost certain now that during the launch of Juniper, Tesla will also announce the addition of a three-row Model Y. However, it’s still unclear if that version will be destined for the North American market.
Tesla Roadster, Cybertruck Range Extender, And 500-kW Superchargers
More new models could come from Tesla next year. We’re not certain when the long-awaited, second-generation Roadster will be launched officially, but it could show its face sometime towards the end of 2025 as a 2026 model. If Musk’s claims are true, the Roadster could become the fastest production vehicle in the world, and even incorporate rocket technology borrowed from SpaceX. We’ll believe it when we see it.
On a more grounded level, Tesla will also roll out two important technologies next year, the first being the Cybertruck’s promised range extender. Essentially a 50-kWh battery pack that’ll sit inside the truck’s bed and take up a third of its available space, it’ll apparently help boost range up to 445 miles (from 350 mi) in the Dual Motor version, and to more than 440 miles (from 320 mi) in the Cyberbeast Tri-Motor model. While Tesla did delay production of the range extender, it confirmed that it’ll be available as of next summer. But it won’t be cheap. According to the Tesla website, expect to pay $16,000, with a $2,000 down payment.
Finally, there will be the gradual deployment of Tesla’s updated, V4 Supercharger cabinets, which promise to push up to 500 kW of fast-charging capability for compatible cars (Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model Y are currently limited to 250 kW), and a whopping 1 MW (or 1,000 kW) for heavy-duty trucks such as the Tesla Semi. Such numbers have never been seen before from
. This should help reduce on-the-road EV charging speeds by 30-percent for vehicles equipped with an
While the new cabinets are still in the permitting process, Tesla said that the first units will be made available next year. The company will then gradually increase its availability over time. So, as you can see, a lot will be happening at Tesla next year. And we’ll be here to report on all of that.
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