The Tesla ‘Model 2’ – Take Two

LifestyleCars & BikesThe Tesla ‘Model 2’ – Take TwoByBrooke Crothers,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brooke Crothers covers and reviews electric vehicles and autonomy.Follow AuthorMay 25, 2026, 10:46pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Photo: Christophe Gateau/dpa (Photo by Christophe Gateau/picture alliance via Getty Images)dpa/picture alliance via Getty ImagesA sub-$30,000 Tesla “Model 2” may be taking shape already--right before our eyes.The low-cost, sub-$30k Tesla rumor comes up periodically (typically originating from Reuters*-- most recently in April). The thinking is that Tesla will design and build something novel from the ground up. Well…The low-cost Tesla Is Already Here: It’s Called The CybercabThe Cybercab (which consumers cannot yet purchase) is designed and built from the ground up. It has a target price of $30,000 or less, according to CEO Elon Musk (albeit with two seats in the current iteration), and will be sold directly to consumers. The beauty of the Cybercab is that Tesla can fiddle with the design/configuration to make it more palatable to consumers.BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - JANUARY 10: Tesla Cybercab or Robotaxi two-passenger battery-electric self-driving car on display at the AutoSalon on January 10, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIn short, add a steering wheel and you have a Model 2.Musk – if you read between the lines – is saying that this platform is where the "affordable Tesla" truly lives.Here is why the Cybercab could be the real-world manifestation of the Model 2:Next-Gen platform: The Cybercab is built on Tesla’s low-cost next-generation vehicle architecture. This platform can produce both an autonomous robotaxi and a cheap commuter car. By focusing on the Cybercab first, Tesla is already scaling the exact underpinnings a consumer "Mode...