Tesla's missing cars: Why you shouldn't hold your breath for the affordable Tesla Model 2 or super-fast Tesla Roadster

Tesla fans are amongst the most patient and tolerant car buyers in the world. How else do you explain them waiting diligently for 18 years for the brand’s long-touted affordable Model 2 or seven years for the second-generation Roadster.  

Tesla’s colourful leader, Elon Musk, has been talking about the Model 2 since 2006 but not only has it never evolved into a concept car or even any company illustrations, it has become a genuine ‘will they or won’t they’ question for the brand.

This week Musk promised a more affordable vehicle, claiming a US$30,000 option is coming in 2025, but that appears to be a cheaper version of the existing Model 3 and/or Model Y. Instead, the Model 2 has been reportedly scrapped, only to be resurrected and then seemingly delayed indefinitely in the company’s latest earnings call with investors - and that’s all happened in 2024.

Instead, it appears the company’s focus is now directed at the recently revealed Robotaxi, the full self-driving taxi concept the brand showcased recently. However, the reveal of the Robotaxi left more questions than answers and the company history of long development periods for its new offerings suggests the driverless taxi is still several years away.

For example, its most recent new model, the Cybertruck, only reached customer hands in November 2023, some four years after its initial reveal. The Model 3 was first mentioned in the same 2006 interview as the Model 2 and didn’t appear until 2017.

Then there’s the case of the second-generation Roadster, a car that Musk has made some incredibly bold claims about — suggesting it will literally fly — and has taken deposits from eager customers. However, the Roadster was first revealed, and money taken from would-be buyers, way back in 2017 at the same event the Semi was revealed.

It is no small amount of money either. If you were to put down a deposit today in Australia you will need to pay $7000 via credit card followed by a $59,000 bank transfer 10 days after to secure your spot.

Initially Tesla claimed the Roadster would arrive by 2020, but despite the pandemic being blamed for delays it is still seemingly no closer to production. In Tesla’s July 2024 earnings call Musk claimed it would be reaching production by “next year” however, in his latest call this week it became clear that Roadster buyers will need a lot more patience.

“I’d like to thank our long-suffering deposit holders,” Musk said, acknowledging the enormous delays. “The Roadster is not just the cherry on the cake but also the icing on the cake. We’re close to finalizing the design.”

However, he reportedly added: “It’s delayed until further notice. We have other things that are more important.”

Despite the seemingly endless wait for the Roadster, Tesla is still taking US$50,000 deposits for the car for anyone willing to hand over just a large sum of money with no definitive timeframe for when they will get a car.

Will the Roadster, Model 2 or even the Robotaxi see the light of day? Unfortunately for eager buyers the signs are it could be a very long wait.