Tesla has become one of the most recognizable car manufacturers on the planet. In a relatively short time frame, the radical company has shot to fame and fortune, developing some of the most advanced and futuristic vehicles on the market. As a champion of emerging technologies and with a rock-steady commitment to electric propulsion, the brand has fought an uphill battle from obscurity to become a household name. In 2010, the luxury electric car manufacturer sold a total of 23 cars globally. Barely eight years later, in 2018, that figure rose to 245,240 units sold.
The brand has evolved from a small and humble enterprise into the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer. The brand’s commitment to innovation and outside-of-the-box thinking has also made it one of the most successful American companies out there—and it’s the US market that’s responsible for some of Tesla’s biggest sales. The US market represents around 78% of Tesla’s overall sales. In 2017, 50,145 units were sold to the American public. In 2018, that number jumped to an impressive 191,627 units—equating to 282% growth.
2019’s sales figures are looking good, and it’s expected that Tesla will be reporting another record year. We’re speculating that 2020 will also prove to be another excellent year for Tesla, thanks to the impending release of the new Model 3. Other models—even some listed here as 2021 models—are expected to make appearances in 2020 too, including the premium versions of the Model Y. All in, 2020 looks to be a good year for the American luxury electric car manufacturer.
But we’re looking further ahead.
Many models that were expected to arrive in 2020 look increasingly like they’re going to be arriving in 2021 instead. Despite the company’s best efforts, some deadlines are just a touch too tight. With that in mind, our list of upcoming 2021 Tesla vehicles includes a few that may arrive in 2020, but we expect to really arrive in 2021 instead. So without further ado, let’s see what Elon Musk has up his sleeve and take a closer look at some of the most exciting 2021 Tesla models coming to market.
What To Expect From The 2021 Tesla Line-Up
2021 Tesla Cybertruck
The 2021 Tesla Cybertruck is easily the most interesting model in the 2021 Tesla range. It was recently unveiled at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, and expected to roll into production as a 2021 model. It’s one of the world’s first production electric trucks, and Tesla’s first production truck in general. It’s not just a simple truck either; in fact, it’s one of the most advanced vehicles ever made. It uses a mixture of futuristic technology and cutting edge materials, with an incredible and revolutionary drive train. And it just looks strange too.
Now, the unveiling didn’t quite go to plan, as Elon Musk managed to break an unbreakable window, and while that technical hitch will go down in history as one of the most memorable moments from the unveiling, there’s more to the 2021 Cybertruck than a window that smashes when it shouldn’t. Here’s what we know.
Firstly, there’s the appearance. Some will love it, while others will hate it. It’s almost childlike in design, but it all makes a great deal of sense at the same time. We’re 100% sure that it’s going to be remembered alongside the likes of the DeLorean DMC-12 or Lamborghini Espada as opinion dividing, but nonetheless seminal, vehicles.
Half-Lego truck, half-space ship, the Cybertruck defies convention. It’s angular and square up front, without a curve in sight, or a recognizable point of reference, like a grille or big headlights. Instead, there’s a thin LED strip headlight, a suggestion of a bumper, and a long front windscreen. At the rear, there’s a long sloping hard top cover, with a retractable tonneau that opens and closes, and is said to be strong enough for a human to stand on. The cover is surrounded by relatively tall walls, which help boost the trucks already impressive aerodynamics, and it allows drivers to store big and tall objects.
The actual bodywork is made from cold-rolled stainless steel which is ultra-hard, incredibly durable, and extremely protective. Cold-rolled steel isn’t heated like conventional steel. Instead, it’s rolled at room temperature to provide thinner and flatter sheets that are smoother and stronger than regular steel sheets. The finer grain of steel developed in the process is lighter than normal, and can be used in specialist parts. The “exoskeleton” bodywork is tough and hardwearing; it even withstood a hammer blow without even a dent appearing during the unveiling.
The glass was a different story, and while it was claimed that bullet’s couldn’t penetrate the glass…a steel ball could. However, knowing Tesla, that was probably a bit of clever avant-garde marketing.
On the inside, the Cybertruck is quite austere. This is typical Tesla, but this could also just be a concept cabin that doesn’t reflect the actual production interior. Still, from what we saw, it’s a simple cabin that can be adapted to seat six, with not much else to say about it. We can see a rectangular dash, with a 17-inch center display, a race-derived steering wheel, and what looks to be an advanced infotainment system. That’s all we can say on that front for now.
But most importantly: what about the powertrain?
Being a Tesla, the new Cybertruck is an electric vehicle, with electric motors and batteries providing 100% of the propulsion. While the actual specifics of the drivetrain, such as the specifications and power outputs, are still a closely guarded secret, we do know that the new Cybertruck will be available in three different flavors. A base model that features a single motor; a dual-motor model that will offer increased power and range; and a top-of-the-line model that features three motors. The latter may have similar powertrain architecture to the new Tesla Roadster which you can read about below.
The single-motor rear-wheel drive model is expected to produce a peak power figure somewhere greater than 400 horsepower, complete 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, reach a top speed of 110 mph, with a maximum payload capacity of 3,500 lbs, and a total towing capacity of 7,500 lbs. The working range of the vehicle is suggested to be in excess of 250 miles per charge. As for the price? Prices for this 2021 Tesla will start from $39,900. Which is very reasonable.
The mid-range dual-motor AWD model is expected to produce around 690 horsepower, with up to 824 lb-ft of peak torque, completing 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and hit a top speed of 120 mph. The maximum payload is also rated at 3,500 lbs, but the overall towing capacity is slated to be 10,000 lbs. The maximum working range of the mid-range Cybertruck is expected to be over 300 miles per charge. Prices for the mid-range model will start from $49,900.
Lastly, there’s the range-topping Tri-motor AWD Cybertruck. Equipped with three motors, this model is expected to have a power output of around 800 horsepower, produce up to 1,000 lb-ft of torque, complete 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, and reach a top speed of 130 miles per hour. While the maximum payload is the same as the other models at 3,500 lbs, the towing capacity swells to an impressive 14,000 lbs. The Tri-motor AWD Cybertruck is expected to have a working range of over 500 miles per charge. For this top-of-the-range model, prices will start from $69,900.
Some will love it, some will hate it—but there’s no denying that the 2021 Cybertruck is going to make one hell of an impression on the electric truck market.
2021 Tesla Model Y
While some models of the upcoming Model Y will be released in 2020, the Standard edition won’t be arriving until 2021. So, if you’re looking for the base Model Y, you’re going to have to wait until 2021. Either way, the Tesla Model Y has been one of the most anticipated Tesla models in recent years. This is the company’s second SUV model, and the brand’s fifth production car. Ever since it was officially unveiled in early 2019, everyone has been wanting to know more about this exceptional vehicle.
The all new Model Y shares a lot of DNA with the legendary Model X SUV; it’s a smaller version, but it shares the same Model 3 architecture, but has a crossover feel to it. Unlike the Model X, it doesn’t have the Falcon Wing doors. Despite their cool visual appeal, the doors are expensive and difficult to engineer, so they were scrapped in favor of more affordable alternatives, which makes more sense for the entry-level Model Y. The Model Y does share some of the Model X’s fastback DNA though. Another similarity is the fact that the Model Y is also available as a seven-seater…for an additional cost of $3000.
There are four distinct models offered for the new Model Y: Standard, Long Range, Dual Motor AWD, and Performance. The Long Range, Dual Motor AWD, and Performance models are due for release in late 2020, and we’ve got more on the 2020 Tesla line-up here for you to look at. We’re here to look at the Standard model—the real entry-level option that should arrive in Spring 2021.
The Standard Model Y is expected to pack some serious performance. Tesla claims that the Model Y can complete 0 to 60 mph in a spritely 5.9 seconds, hit a top speed of 120 mph, and have a usable driving range of 230 miles. Despite being a crossover, Musk also claims that the center of gravity of the Tesla floorpan battery pack allows the Model Y to handle like a real sports car. All in a package that will cost as little as $39,000. Which isn’t a bad price for a Tesla.
The more advanced (and more expensive) versions are priced much higher. The Long Range Model Y has a price tag of $47,000, the Dual Motor AWD will set you back $51,000, and the top-of-the-range Performance edition will cost a bank balance busting $60,000. Still, Tesla expects that sales will be good. In fact, the company expects the new Model Y to perform even better in sales than the Model S, Model X, and Model 3 combined.
Delivery date for the Standard Model Y is set for Spring 2021, and if you’re interested then register your enthusiasm online by placing an order and a $2500 deposit.
2021 Tesla Roadster
While the Cybertruck and Model Y are certainly interesting, it’s the upcoming Roadster that everyone is really waiting for. A new Roadster has been on the cards for a few years now, but Tesla has been fairly clear that development of a new Roadster wasn’t one of the company’s priorities. In fact, in 2017 CEO Elon Musk was quick to dash any hopes of a new Roadster in the near future, explaining that it won’t be arriving until 2020. 2020 is nearly upon us, and it looks like the Roadster is going to be delayed a little longer.
Musk said that the Roadster wouldn’t be arriving before the Model Y, and as we know, the Model Y won’t be going into production until late 2020, as a 2021 model. You can find the relevant question here in the Model Y’s official FAQ.
So there you have it. The new Tesla Roadster is almost certainly going to be a 2021 model instead. And news that a new Roadster will be arriving in 2021 is pretty exciting, but it’s not nearly as exciting as the claims that Elon Musk has made about it. According to Musk, the car will be fast enough to break the Nürburgring record, travel from 0 to 60 mph in a lightning fast 1.9 seconds, and have a total of 620 miles of effective driving range. These are huge boasts, and Tesla will deliver.
The Roadster will be powered by a huge 200 kWh battery pack, which supplies power to the car’s three electric motors, with one at the front and two at the rear. All in, the car will produce over 10,000 Nm of torque…which translates to almost 7400 lb-ft of torque. But that’s not all. The car will be able to produce a top speed well in excess of 250 mph, and complete a ¼ mile in 8.8 seconds, setting a slew of new production car records.
If that wasn’t enough, it’s also a convertible. With four seats. Yep, it has 2 rear seats too. What’s more, it’s actually quite a spacious and roomy car, with ample storage and trunk space. It’s a long way from being a practical runaround, but it certainly could do the job—if you have the coin to buy one, that is.
The model mentioned above is just the base model. To get your hands on one you’d need to put down a deposit of $50,000 towards a total price of $200,000. There will be performance versions with added paraphernalia (there’s even talk of cold air rocket thrusters, and that’s not a lie) which will push the price up even further.
At the moment, the upcoming Roadster is said to be limited to a production run that doesn’t exceed 10,000 units. However, we imagine that it could actually be a lot less than that when production begins. Is it worth the wait? Definitely. Is it worth the money? Most likely. More importantly, will it be able to do everything that Musk promises? It’s too early to tell, but we trust that Elon’s checked his facts. We don’t mind waiting for a delayed release, providing that the performance specs aren’t watered down in any way.
