Predictions

[VolkerP]

Hey I just coined a new term: Fantasy Utility Vehicle = the FUV.

Since we all hope fantasy becomes reality, I'd like to come up with
UUV = Unprecedented Utility Vehicle

[Nik]

They might do anything for which they have a good idea, including electric airplanes (unless that will be a separate company).

Air-X Inc?

[AnOutsider]

Agreed. Not to mention she's not even in a parking spot...

Back to the topic...I could see a truck being in the pipe in 3-5 years and publicly available in 5-7 years. Of course, if Tesla does a truck an SUV probably wouldn't be far behind (not to mention the U.S. seems to love SUVs ) The day Tesla officially announces an SUV (or even a crossover) will be a sad day for me; especially since Model S fits 5+2 and has all that cargo room, an SUV is basically unnecessary. Also, most SUVs I see are being driven around with just the driver...

The biggest reason I can think of (aside from a boat or trailer) that necessitates an SUV is if someone has a family of 6 (or more). It would be nice if Tesla could find a way to make a sedan that comfortably fits six adults...

As others have stated the Model X has already been announced, and I don't at all see it as a negative. The SUV market is huge in the USA and now that they're safer, they actually make pretty comfy daily drivers.

We have a Q5 and a "green" buddy of mine complained when we got it that it was for "make believe utility". Well, tons of vet visits, grocery trips, lowes expeditions, move assists, road trips and of course transporting my winter wheels to and fro the dealer, I can say it's gotten its use. If I needed more "utility", which I may in the future, I'd get a pickup.

[Robert.Boston]

tons of vet visits, grocery trips, lowes expeditions, move assists, road trips and of course transporting my winter wheels to and fro the dealer, I can say it's gotten its use. If I needed more "utility", which I may in the future, I'd get a pickup.

As far as I can see, the Model S will be even better at all these tasks than your Q5. The only meaningful benefit of SUVs appears to be the higher road clearance and higher driver position.

All the SUVs on the road impair visibility for those few of us still in cars. It's like being at a football game where the guy in front of you stands up reflexively for any play that's remotely interesting -- really annoying, but at least at the stadium I can stand up, too.

[AnOutsider]

As far as I can see, the Model S will be even better at all these tasks than your Q5. The only meaningful benefit of SUVs appears to be the higher road clearance and higher driver position.

All the SUVs on the road impair visibility for those few of us still in cars. It's like being at a football game where the guy in front of you stands up reflexively for any play that's remotely interesting -- really annoying, but at least at the stadium I can stand up, too.

Higher (and more comfortable) ride height is a perk too. I hear you on not being able to see around, but that's not really enough of a reason to NOT have them. Nor is the "I only see single drivers" in them reason either -- most 4 door sedans I see have 1 driver as well (one could then argue, why not get a coupe?). The "green" thing is also fairly moot these days as many crossovers get comparable mileage to the sedans they're based on (the Q5 is basically an A4, propped high with a hatch).

Regardless of your feelings toward them though, it's an extremely smart move for Tesla to leverage a platform they invested so heavily in to tap a very healthy market here in the US.

[rolosrevenge]

SUVs are absolutely awesome and necessary for hunting trips. The clearance is essential on washed out mountain roads and the 4 wheel drive is pretty essential for mud/snow/slush. There is plenty of room for your hunting buddies and lots of guns and game. The only SUV my parents bought was for that purpose and it did its job perfectly. The idea of an all electric SUV is very tantalizing because you could potentially have higher clearance and independent wheel motors. I would love to see that happen.

[smoothoperator]

SUVs are absolutely awesome and necessary for hunting trips. The clearance is essential on washed out mountain roads and the 4 wheel drive is pretty essential for mud/snow/slush. There is plenty of room for your hunting buddies and lots of guns and game. The only SUV my parents bought was for that purpose and it did its job perfectly. The idea of an all electric SUV is very tantalizing because you could potentially have higher clearance and independent wheel motors. I would love to see that happen.

Off Roading in an EV SUV would be a recipe for disaster IMO....Rugged Terrain/mud etc would deplete the battery at a rapid rate. I would not trust an EV SUV to take me into the boonies for a camping trip etc too much to go wrong. I think there are a couple applications where a diesel powered vehicle would be superior to an EV, Towing, Off Roading, Expeditionary etc. EVs are great for commuting but in hostile environments nothing can beat a diesel.

[vfx]

... EVs are great for commuting but in hostile environments nothing can beat a diesel.

Except at low air densities.

Like the rugged moon.

[Norbert]

Zero seems to be happy building off-road electric motorcycles.

ZERO MOTORCYCLES – The Electric Motorcycle Company - Official Site

[vfx]

Zero seems to be happy building off-road electric motorcycles.

ZERO MOTORCYCLES – The Electric Motorcycle Company - Official Site

The survivalist in me wants one.