Categories: EV News

Tesla’s next major electric vehicle product spotted on the road conducting tests

Published by
Riz Akhtar

Back in May, a modified Tesla Model 3 with no side mirrors and new camera locations was seen on the road. This was the first sighting of Tesla with such modifications, sparking multiple theories of what it could be.

Now, a new vehicle has been spotted with camera positions in similar parts of the car seen in May but this time around, multiple close-up shots reveal new details, hinting at what is likely to be announced by Tesla next month.

The new photos were shared on X by Joey K which shows a grey refreshed Model 3 with cameras in the rear-windows. 

On top of the window cut-out cameras, there were also camera sticking out from where the current repeater cameras sit on the Model 3 as well as a front bumper camera.

Unlike the last vehicle which was seen with Texas number plates in May, the new test vehicle has Californian “Manufacturer” number plates on it. 

This indicates that there are a number of test vehicles being used by Tesla with a similar camera setup.

Locations of the new cameras hint towards a setup for self-driving and is closer to what’s previously been described by the company’s CEO, Elon Musk, as the Robotaxi or more recently a Cybercab.

There is a level of excitement towards what’s to be unveiled at next month’s proposed event by Tesla where more details of this new vehicle will be revealed. 

One fan on the post with the latest pictures of the test vehicles said: “Can’t wait for 8/8 event for some really solid answers. Hopefully we can uncover some stuff beforehand”.

Image: MrSaltyP via X

The new Robotaxi is expected to be used to offer a service similar to Uber but without the driver. 

Tesla is also working on multiple other products that could use some of the camera layouts being tested in the vehicle spotted in California. These include more affordable models that are currently in the works.

At an earnings call earlier this year Musk hinted what these models could offer.

“We’ve updated our future vehicle lineup to accelerate the launch of new models, previously mentioned start of production in the second half of 2025. So, we expect it to be more like the early 2025, if not late this year,” he said.

“These new vehicles, including more affordable models, will use aspects of the next-generation platform as well as aspects of our current platforms, and we’ll be able to produce on the same manufacturing lines as our current vehicle lineup.”

 

Recent Posts

The Driven Podcast: Gen Z, EVs and the New Model Y

The Driven's Sam Parkinson, Tanya Shukla, and Tim Eden discuss Gen Z's take on electric…

May 2, 2025

“This ship changes the game:” World’s largest all-electric ferry launches in Tasmania

World's largest 100% battery electric ship launches at shipyard in Hobart, headed for service ferrying…

May 2, 2025

BYD rolls out first 1,000 kW chargers that can add 400 km of range in 5 minutes

BYD's first 1,000 kW charging site goes online, helping BYD drivers add 400 km of…

May 2, 2025

Ludicrous Feed: Recapping Auto Shanghai 2025

Join Tom and Joy from Ludicrous Feed as they share their impressions and insights from…

May 1, 2025

Halving fuel excise will save $312, but an EV could save $27,000. You choose

Think beyond the pump. The election choice isn’t just about a temporary 25-cent discount on…

May 1, 2025

Geely claims 1,000 orders in under 2 months for EX5 as it offers new incentives

Well-priced Geely EX5 electric SUV receives over 1,000 orders, but the brand has chosen to…

May 1, 2025