Future Tesla cars: Launches expected between 2026 & 2028 – TopElectricSUV
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Update (January 30, 2026): ‘Tesla Roadster,’ ‘Tesla Cybercab,’ and ‘Tesla Robovan/Robus’ updated.
Tesla is synonymous with electric cars, a reputation that has undoubtedly helped it gain about 9 million buyers. Now, let’s take a look at the future Tesla cars that are expected to be launched in the U.S. in two-three years. Note that the article is a compilation of information from various sources, and the timelines are speculative.
Tesla has silently introduced the seven-seat configuration on the Model Y refresh in the U.S. market. Reserved for the Premium AWD variant, the extra seats are a USD 2,500 option, bringing the final price to USD 52,990, before taxes and fees.
As before, the third-row seats provide more flexibility, catering to families needing added capacity. It carries the updated fascias, lighting, powertrain, and other features that were introduced for the Model Y ‘Juniper’ last year.
Tesla has rolled out a minor update for the 2026 Model Y in the U.S. Changes apply to the Premium trim only, not the Standard version introduced for 2025. Premium buyers now get a 20-inch Helix wheel option finished in dark gray, replacing the previous lighter gray/silver look.
Tesla also switches Premium models to a black headliner, instead of the lighter material used across 2025 Model Y and Model 3 trims. The revised 16-inch, higher-resolution center display, first seen on the new Model Y Performance, now comes on all Premium variants. Rear badging is now black, replacing the earlier chrome finish.
In 2025, Tesla launched a six-seat version of the Model Y for China called the Model Y L, with strong initial sales traction. Its wheelbase is 150 mm (5.9 in) longer, and the overall length has grown 179 mm (7 in), offering more space and a larger central touchscreen.
It introduces a six-seat layout with comfortable individual chairs for the first two rows. Height is slightly increased as well to aid ingress and egress for rear passengers.
This variant of the Model Y doesn’t start production in the US until the end of next year. Might not ever, given the advent of self-driving in America.
Reports indicate the long-wheelbase Model Y uses LG Energy Solution’s new 5M battery pack with 84.7 kWh capacity. It employs slightly more powerful dual motors, which give it a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds.
The Model Y L sports visual changes like a redesigned C-pillar, ducktail spoiler, unique gold paint, and special wheels. It has a CLTC range of 467 miles, and there’s a slim chance that it may enter production in the U.S. in Q4 2026.
The Tesla Cybercab, earlier referred to as the Tesla Robotaxi, is engineered purely for autonomous use. It’s a two-seater EV with dihedral doors, no pedals or steering wheel, and a cabin stripped down for simplicity. It has a big trunk behind the seats, accessible through a large liftgate.
Inside, the exclusion of a steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals frees up a lot of space around the dashboard. There are only two seats, both noticeably wide and reminiscent of old American recliners. A huge freestanding touchscreen is the centerpiece of this interior, integrating all the core comfort and entertainment functions.
The Cybercab is super-optimized for minimum cost per mile, and also for much higher duty cycle. So I would expect Cybercab to be used probably 50-60 hours a week, instead of the 10 or 11 hours a week a driven vehicle is used.
The car sacrifices top-end speed, fast cornering, and heavy acceleration in favor of energy efficiency, smaller brakes, and gentler handling. These trade-offs allow for the use of more efficient tires and result in very low operating costs, potentially as low as 25-30 cents per mile.
Cybercab production starts in April
Nearly eight years since its debut in December 2017, and unusually without yet having entered series production, the Tesla Semi has received a facelift. Like the Model 3 and Model Y, the all-electric Class 8 heavy-duty truck has evolved from a friendly and emotive design to a more focused, assertive one.
The front of the new Tesla Semi features more angular surfaces and car-like slim headlights, connected similarly via a light band. The more aggressive styling is inspired by the Cybertruck, Cybercab and the new Model Y.
The bumper is also new and carries sharper lines to align with the new family design. On the sides, Tesla has added rear-facing cameras behind the front wheel arches, on the same longitudinal axis as the upper part of the door handles.
The new Tesla Semi’s powertrain will pack 1,072 horsepower and cover a distance of 500 miles, consuming 1.7 kWh/mi. Its battery pack, expected to have an energy storage capacity of about 850 kWh, will support charging at up to 1.2 MW (1,200 kW). Tesla expects to commence volume production of the new Semi in the second half of 2026.
On the Ride The Lightning Podcast that took place on March 5, 2025, Franz von Holzhausen described the next-gen Roadster as “a technology showcase,” adding, “It always was and will continue to be.”
Tesla’s design chief suggested the Roadster’s design would evolve further, stating, “Design evolves over time as well…a little evolution is not a bad thing,” hinting that its final look would differ from the 2017 prototype to stay “fresh and new in the marketplace.”
During Tesla’s Q3 2024 earnings conference call on October 23, 2024, Musk suggested the redesigned model will have the ability to briefly lift itself off the ground and hover, reiterating his previous hints of SpaceX-derived technologies for the car.
So the product unveil of the Roadster 2, which will be very different from what we’ve shown previously, that demo event will be April 1 of next year…I guess production is probably about 12 to 18 months after that.
At the X Takeover in July 2025, Lars Moravy said Tesla had spent years rethinking the Roadster to create “the last best driver’s car,” teasing new tech shown to Elon Musk that left him “a little excited.”
I think long-term really the only vehicle we would make is autonomous vehicles with the exception of the next-generation Roadster, which we’re hoping to debut in April. Hopefully.
At the 2025 annual shareholder meeting, Musk said the company tentatively plans to unveil the next-gen Roadster on April 1, 2026, and start production around mid-2027.
The Tesla Robovan, which is expected to be called the Tesla Robus, is a much bigger self-driving EV, designed for traveling in a big group of people or transporting a large load of goods. Inspired by art deco trains of the 1920s and 30s, the streamlined EV’s design looks like it was pulled straight out of a science fiction movie. It features sliding doors on the sides and has a trunk at both ends.
The interior of the Robovan feels like a modern living space, featuring a clean and space-focused design. Softly lit mood lighting throughout the cabin creates a luxurious vibe and highlights the modern design of the cabin.
Of course, we do have plans to have robotaxis in various shapes and sizes, but obviously, Cybercab will be the grand majority of that volume.
Seats with upward-sloping lower sections for better thigh support and the entirely flat floor contribute to the living-room-like vibe of the interior. There are two large, TV-sized screens at both ends, which would provide passengers with entertainment on the go.
I’m in the Robus, yes!
Tesla says the passenger version of the Robovan can accommodate up to 20 people and estimates its travel cost to be as low as 5-10 cents per mile. The company has yet to reveal the launch timeline of this model, but we expect 2028 to be the earliest possible year.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
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