10 Tesla Future Products

Tesla is pushing ahead again by releasing hardware updates to the drivetrain system of their Model S and X. This update allows for longer range with the same battery capacity. This is just a small example of how the once upstart is not waiting for the established car industry to move to a position to compete.

Here is a list of the Tesla product line that is ahead based on comments from CEO Elon Musk and company.

1. The Model Y

Earlier this year the Model Y was revealed and is available to pre-order from the Tesla website. The vehicle is crossover SUV and shares 70% of the components with the Model-3 which should make the initial ramp and production much easier. The Model Y goes into production later this year and ramps up production in 2020. 

2. Solar Roof Tiles

The solar roof tiles have been undergoing testing and have been slow to scale in production because of the difficulty the Model 3 turned out to be for most of 2018. Elon Musk recently visited the Gigafactory 2 the location that the glass solar roof tile is being fabricated and the production is expected to occur in earnest in the second half of 2019. There were several varieties of the solar roof tile revealed back in 2016 but the smooth glass tile is expected to be the first production version that we may soon see on houses nationwide. 

3. Tesla Pickup

Described by Musk the Tesla Pickup Truck will have a 'really futuristic-like cyberpunk Blade Runner' design. Set to finally be revealed later this year I'm excited about this upcoming unveiling and by that description, it should be solid competition for the new Rivian Electric Truck that has gone into production. This vehicle is in the lineup to be in production after the solar roof so likely goes into production in 2020. 

4. Gigafactory 3 

This factory looks to be breaking speed records in its erection as hopes are raised by Tesla that trial production of vehicles in this facility could start as early as September 2019. Even if the production in this new Gigafactory didn't really get started until early 2020 it would be a major accomplishment and increase total production numbers massively in the coming years. The Chinese electric vehicle market is by far the largest global EV market currently and likely far into the future. 

5. Battery Update

The acquisition of Maxwell batteries by Tesla should go through in the coming months and gives an insight in the direction of the next generation Tesla battery technology. The dry battery electrode tech from Maxwell could provide a significant lead for Tesla. Maxwell is also a fabricator of ultracapacitors and these could be potentially put to use in interesting ways to improve the current and future vehicle lineup. 

6. Semi

The new semi prototypes have been out being tested extensively in real-world conditions and production should start in 2020. The updated battery technology from Maxwell could really push the range and ultracapacitors could provide an instantaneous burst of power that could be recaptured during breaking. 

7. Tesla Roadster

The roadster is also on the production line up and has the most exciting performance specs with 0 to 60 in 1.9 seconds. It may start production in 2020 but could also be more like 2021, either way, it will still be worth the wait. I think this is the best looking performance vehicle I have seen and would take over any supercar. 

8. Robotaxi 

Recently announced at autonomy day at Tesla's headquarters they laid out their plans for the future full self-driving. All vehicles in production now have the next generation full self-driving (FSD) hardware and Tesla will continue with over the air updates to the software until it is level 5 FSD. In other news, Tesla started a new lease program for Tesla Model 3 but at the end of the lease, there is not an option to buy because Tesla plans to take them back and turn them into their own fleet of robotaxis. Owners of Tesla vehicles will have the option to use their vehicles on the tesla robotaxi network as they choose. 

9. Minibus 

Indicated on Tesla master plan 'part deux' there is a plan to produce a smaller bus:

"With the advent of autonomy, it will probably make sense to shrink the size of buses and transition the role of bus driver to that of fleet manager. Traffic congestion would improve due to increased passenger areal density by eliminating the center aisle and putting seats where there are currently entryways, and matching acceleration and braking to other vehicles, thus avoiding the inertial impedance to smooth traffic flow of traditional heavy buses. It would also take people all the way to their destination. Fixed summon buttons at existing bus stops would serve those who don't have a phone. Design accommodates wheelchairs, strollers and bikes."

10. VTOL - Tesla Aviation

Lilium aviation with Tesla battery

Elon Musk has mentioned wanting to do a vertical landing and take off vehicle (VTOL) supersonic jet and with an update in Tesla battery technology, it is now within reach. So this is an outlier prediction either with Tesla directly or a new company Elon will create a VTOL supersonic commercial jet based on the new Maxwell battery technology when it reaches 400 wh/kg.