Key Takeaways
1. Tesla’s affordable car, possibly named Model 2 or Q, is set to launch in 2025, with assurances that it will not be inferior to existing models.
2. The success of the budget-friendly vehicle will heavily depend on its pricing, estimated to be between $22,000 and $25,000 after subsidies.
3. The design is expected to be a smaller version of the Model Y, featuring a 54 kWh battery with a range of 250 to 300 miles per charge.
4. Tesla is also planning refreshed versions of the Model S and Model X later this year, with a complete lineup refresh expected in 2025.
5. Current production efforts are focused on ramping up the Model Y Juniper refresh, with more details about the Model 2 and S/X updates to follow after its launch.
Tesla’s affordable car is set to launch in 2025, and chief engineer Lars Moravy assures that it will be “not worse” than Tesla’s other models, regardless of its lower price.
“The hardest part of this is to ensure that these cars are not inferior, so I can guarantee that they won’t be a huge downgrade from our current offerings,” Moravy stated.
Price Point is Key
While Moravy’s comments may not be the most enthusiastic regarding the upcoming budget-friendly vehicle, often referred to as the Model 2 or Q, its success will definitely rely on its pricing strategy.
Before Elon Musk chose to unveil the Cybercab first and then aim for its mass-market five-seater version, the anticipated cost for the Model 2 was estimated to range between $22,000 and $25,000, although this would likely be after any subsidies were applied.
Given that the Cybercab is expected to be priced below $30,000, the Model 2 could very well be Tesla’s long-awaited $25,000 vehicle.
Specs and Design
In terms of design and specifications, reports suggest that it will resemble a smaller version of the Model Y, equipped with a 54 kWh battery that offers a range between 250 to 300 miles per charge, thanks to its lighter build. Recently, a drone flight over Giga Texas spotted a disguised test model that seemed to mirror a compact Model Y, leading to speculation that this is indeed Tesla’s prototype for the affordable car.
In addition to the budget vehicle, Tesla is also planning to release refreshed versions of the Model S and Model X later this year, according to Lars. “We’ll be working on those later this year since everyone here has a soft spot for the S/X,” he mentioned, hinting that a complete refresh of the Tesla lineup could be expected in 2025.
Focus on Production
For the moment, Moravy is completely concentrated on ramping up production for the Model Y Juniper refresh, which will utilize all four Tesla Gigafactories simultaneously. Thus, more information about the Model S/X updates or the economical Model 2 is likely to emerge only after the Model Y launch.
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