A more affordable Tesla than the current Model 3 could very well be on its way. If true, the Tesla Model 2 may be one of the most exciting cars of the decade. Not only shall it bring electric mobility to the masses with its affordable price, but it could also revolutionize the way EVs are perceived and manufactured. According to an auto.sina.com report, "it is estimated that” the first batch of models will be tested on the road soon." However, it remains to be seen how true this statement actually is, as neither Tesla nor Musk has said anything about another concept being in such an advanced stage of development.
During the Q1 2021 earnings conference call Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, said, “We are continuing to ramp production of Model Y in Fremont and Shanghai. In the background, we’re continuing work — development work on the Semi, Cybertruck, the Roadster, and other products.” Musk hasn't yet commented on the time it would take for a new Model to see the light of day, and neither has there been any official statement by the company. However, at the 2020 Battery Day and Annual Shareholder Meeting, Tesla did confirm two new electric cars, one of which is supposed to make the brand more accessible with a price tag of $25,000.
Several speculations on the internet suggest that the new car will be called the 'Model 2,' signifying its lower positioning. Though we're yet to see any design updates on the car, it would be safe to assume it shall be jaw-dropping, considering Tesla's reputation. If the Model 2 shall indeed cost around $25,000, it is quite the bargain, considering getting access to the Tesla suite of technology and presumably access to the Supercharger network too.
Though the exact list of specifications is yet to be known, here is a glimpse at everything we know so far about Tesla's most pocket-friendly car, The Model 2.
A New, Smaller Battery Will Still Offer That Ludicrous Tesla Performance
The Model 2 will most likely come with FSD as standard, along with 400-500 miles of range in its top-spec variant. However, it will have a base variant with a relatively smaller battery pack than today's electric cars. With the battery technology evolving year after year, the Tesla Model 2 shall surely pack something special underneath its hood. The 2012 Tesla Model S can go on for around 265 miles of top range from an 85 kWh battery pack, while the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Long Range can go up to 322 miles from a much smaller 72.5 kWh pack. So expecting the same for a more miniature Tesla Model 2 isn't far-fetched.
Tesla's battery cell is already one of the best in the world. And with the recent acquisition of battery tech pioneers Maxwell Technologies, Tesla is well on its way to outdo itself. If Tesla were to pack the Model 2 with the rumored specs, it would be safe to say that it may as well thrive in a market where hatchbacks traditionally wither and die. The automaker is developing a fresh battery system that could be slightly cheaper to manufacture and would be much safer. The cell packs are also expected to have a structural role in the chassis, reducing the number of parts. Performance is also a major factor to be considered with the vehicle, especially with its smaller price tag. Though the Model 2 might not have the AWD monster launches like its other siblings, it promises to be faster than an average budget-friendly hatchback from leading automakers.
Tesla Model 2 Might Be Manufactured On Multiple Continents To Save The Environment
Reports have also suggested that Tesla would be building this new car entirely in China; however, it will be designed and developed in Germany. The company is building a Gigafactory in Germany, which could potentially dwarf the production capacity of its Shanghai facility. Elon Musk made a statement hinting at the future of Tesla motors.
Elon said that Tesla would "create a design and engineering center to design an original car in China, for worldwide consumption." The founder of Tesla also went on to describe his upcoming project as "something radical like the Cybertruck." A few days after this announcement, a new official render of a concept electric subcompact car popped up on the internet. In stark contrast to the rumors of a new model being manufactured only in China, it is said that Tesla believes that every car sold on a continent should be manufactured on that continent. For example, Tesla will be selling the Chinese-made Model 3 and Model Y manufactured in the Shanghai Gigafactory, only in China. This also implies the Model 2 should be manufactured in Europe, North America, etc., assuming it will actually be sold in these markets.
The Model 2 Can Offer Superior Technology At Entry-Level Prices
This small, hatchback electric car will be relatively more affordable than the Tesla Model 3, starting at $25,000. The Tesla Model 2 will ultimately be a vehicle that shall bring price parity between gas and electric cars, something that futurists have been claiming for quite some time now. Eli Burton, a former software engineer and president of My Tesla Adventure, Tesla owners club, spilled a ton of detail regarding the Tesla Model 2. However, most of the things he said are speculations based upon the current geopolitical scenario. According to Eli, the Tesla Model 2 will be $10,000 cheaper than the already affordable Tesla Model 3, which retails at around $39,000.