Skip advert
Advertisement

Tesla confirms electric minibus and new Model Y SUV

Elon Musk announces new name via Twitter

Tesla's Elon Musk has confirmed plans for both a new electric Minibus and a compact Model Y SUV. The brand already confirmed the SUV's existence during an announcement last month, but now Musk has given it a name.

The SUV completes Tesla's 'S3XY' naming strategy, with the Model S, Model 3, Model X and now, finally the Model Y. Confirmed via a single Tweet, Musk explained that the brand should be 'inconsistent in our naming conventions after Model Y'. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

>Read our Tesla Model S review

The cost and size implications of the Model Y mean the 'falcon doors' found on the Model X likely won't make their way over. What will undoubtedly remain is Tesla's large centrally mounted touch screen and range of all-wheel and two-wheel drive powertrains.

The electric Minibus appears to be a seperate project, mentioned by Musk at the Tesla 'Master Plan' conference. The car is planned to be produced on a Model X chassis and will be a "high passenger density urban transport". Exact details remain unclear, but the Minibus could potentially become an eight seater, or even a electric replacement for public transport.

If you'd like to read more about Tesla's flagship performance saloon, the Model S, then you can read our full in-depth review here.

Alternatively, our Model 3 preview lists everything you need to know about the electric car manufacturer's new affordable saloon.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Jaguar GT is lovely to drive, but that’s not enough for people to buy it
Jaguar GT
Opinion

The new Jaguar GT is lovely to drive, but that’s not enough for people to buy it

The Jaguar GT has the hallmarks of a deeply impressive luxury saloon. Whether it can turn the tide on slow demand for premium EVs is another matter
11 Mar 2026
Toyota's updated the GR Yaris again – and it’s confirmed for the UK
2026 Toyota GR Yaris
News

Toyota's updated the GR Yaris again – and it’s confirmed for the UK

New steering wheel, power steering and damper tuning for Toyota’s hot hatch
13 Mar 2026
The Audi RS3 Competition is a £92k goodbye to Ingolstadt’s five-cylinder
Audi RS3 Competition
News

The Audi RS3 Competition is a £92k goodbye to Ingolstadt’s five-cylinder

Audi marks the end of the line for the RS3 and its five-cylinder engine with an ultra-limited special, and we don’t use that phrase lightly… 
10 Mar 2026