Tesla fans and large families alike have reason to celebrate: Elon Musk has officially confirmed that a giant minivan, dubbed the “CyberSUV,” is in development, promising to seat more than seven passengers and cater to the needs of big families. The announcement, made on May 9, 2025, via a YouTube video, marks a significant step for Tesla, which has long been criticized for lacking a spacious, family-friendly electric vehicle (EV) in its lineup. As Tesla navigates a challenging 2025, this new vehicle could redefine the EV market and solidify the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation for all.

Musk’s confirmation builds on earlier hints dropped in November 2024, when he responded to prospective Tesla owners on X with a simple “Ok” to requests for a larger vehicle, as reported by notateslaapp.com and teslarati.com. At the time, Musk also mentioned that while the Robovan—a 20-seat autonomous van unveiled at the “We, Robot” event in October 2024—was in development, “some other things” were also in the works. The May 9 announcement clarified those “other things,” revealing the CyberSUV as a full-size minivan designed to bridge a critical gap in Tesla’s portfolio: a practical, spacious vehicle for families with more than four members.

The CyberSUV promises to be a game-changer. Unlike the Model X, Tesla’s largest current vehicle, which seats up to seven but offers limited cargo space due to its rounded design, the CyberSUV will prioritize interior room and utility. The Model Y, another seven-seater option, has a cramped third row better suited for small children, leaving larger families to look at competitors like the Rivian R1S or Kia EV9. Musk’s vision for the CyberSUV, as described in the YouTube announcement, leverages the Cybertruck’s platform to create a vehicle that “comfortably seats more than seven” while offering “plenty of interior space—far more than the Model X.” This aligns with Tesla’s broader mission, often reiterated by Musk, to make sustainable energy solutions accessible to everyone.

Details about the CyberSUV remain scarce, but industry speculation offers some clues. Analysts predict it will feature a modular design, with flexible seating arrangements to accommodate both passengers and cargo, potentially transforming into a camper van—a feature long requested by Tesla enthusiasts, as noted in Reddit discussions from November 2024. The vehicle is expected to incorporate Tesla’s signature technology, including a massive touchscreen interface, over-the-air software updates, and optional Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities, which could allow hands-free highway driving and automated lane changes. Given Tesla’s focus on efficiency, the CyberSUV is likely to target a range of at least 300 miles, addressing range anxiety for family road trips.

Pricing remains a key question. While Tesla has not released official figures, industry estimates suggest the CyberSUV could start around $55,000 to $70,000, depending on trim levels and battery configurations. This would position it as a premium yet competitive option in the EV minivan market, especially against vehicles like the Ford E-Transit Cargo Van ($51,490) or the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter ($74,181–$77,611). Musk emphasized affordability in his announcement, stating, “We’re not just building vehicles for wealthy consumers. This is about making transportation efficient and accessible for everyone,” echoing sentiments he shared about the Robovan in October 2024.

The timing of the CyberSUV’s development couldn’t be more critical for Tesla. The company has faced significant challenges in 2025, with a reported 71% profit drop, as mentioned in notateslaapp.com, and a search for a new CEO amid Musk’s controversial tenure with the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he exited on May 29, 2025. His DOGE role, which involved $160 billion in federal spending cuts, drew criticism for exacerbating global inequality, with Bill Gates accusing Musk of causing “needless suffering” in the Global South. Tesla’s stock has also taken a hit, and the company’s focus on autonomy—evident in the Robovan and Robotaxi projects—has yet to yield widespread regulatory approval, leaving some investors skeptical.

The CyberSUV, however, could be a lifeline. Large-family vehicles remain an underserved segment in the EV market, and Tesla’s entry could attract a new customer base, particularly suburban families who prioritize practicality over luxury. As one Reddit user noted in November 2024, “If someone made an electric minivan, they would sell like crazy. They’re the perfect option for EV—mostly short-trip city miles, no hauling anything heavy, safe.” The CyberSUV’s potential to blend Tesla’s cutting-edge technology with family-friendly features like sliding doors and ample storage could make it a bestseller, potentially rivaling Musk’s prediction that the Model Y would be the world’s top-selling vehicle by 2022, as reported by carbuzz.com in 2021.

But the road ahead isn’t without obstacles. Tesla’s history of delayed launches—seen with the Cybertruck, which was unveiled in 2019 but didn’t enter production until late 2023—raises questions about the CyberSUV’s timeline. While some industry insiders, as cited in autotimesnews.com, speculated a late 2025 or early 2026 production start, Tesla’s focus on other projects, like the Robotaxi launch reportedly set for June 12, 2025, in Austin, could push the CyberSUV further back. Regulatory hurdles for FSD, a key feature for the vehicle’s appeal, also remain a concern, especially in markets like Europe, where Tesla has teased but not yet implemented FSD, according to notateslaapp.com.

Critics also point to Tesla’s pricing strategy. The Model X, one of Tesla’s most expensive vehicles, has limited accessibility for many families, and the CyberSUV’s projected $55,000 base price may still be out of reach for lower-income households. Musk’s DOGE cuts, which slashed programs like USAID, have been blamed for an estimated 176,000 excess deaths globally, according to a Boston University study, fueling skepticism about his commitment to accessibility. Some on X have questioned whether the CyberSUV is a genuine effort to serve families or a distraction from Tesla’s financial and political woes, with one user writing, “Musk talks a big game, but can he deliver for regular people?”

Despite these concerns, the CyberSUV has the potential to reshape the EV landscape. Its design, likely inspired by the Cybertruck’s angular stainless-steel aesthetic, could set it apart from traditional minivans, which have long been stigmatized as “uncool,” as noted in Reddit discussions. Features like a panoramic windshield, solar panel integration (hinted at in recent Tesla patents), and a minimalist interior could appeal to tech-savvy families. Musk’s vision of the vehicle as a “sports car with the utility of a pickup truck,” a concept he applied to the Cybertruck, might also translate to the CyberSUV, offering a dynamic driving experience uncommon in the minivan segment.

For Tesla, the CyberSUV represents more than just a new model—it’s a chance to reclaim its narrative. After a year of controversies, from Musk’s alleged drug use to his contacts with Vladimir Putin, who compared him to a Soviet rocket engineer in May 2025, the company needs a win. The CyberSUV could be that win, proving Tesla can innovate for everyday consumers, not just the elite. As Musk famously said, per greendrive-accessories.com, “Some things are best kept secret… until they’re not.” For now, the CyberSUV remains a promise—but if Tesla delivers, it could be the ultimate family vehicle, blending sustainability, technology, and practicality in a way only Musk can envision.