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Tesla is Reportedly Working on a Sub-$35,000 EV Called Model 2
Elon Musk is cooking up something special, and no, we’re not talking about whatever is going on behind closed doors at Twitter. The billionaire’s all-encompassing automotive arm Tesla is reportedly working on a budget-friendly EV that may see the brand’s stranglehold on the market grip even tighter.
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Tesla Model 3 | Image: Tesla
Looking back, the Model 3 and Y have been hugely successful despite their difficult gestation owing to scaling up production and the ‘production nightmare’ that was the Model 3 launch. However, the efforts have paid off with the Model Y being Australia‘s best-selling SUV along and the Model 3 continuing its stellar performance too. That said, Tesla is keen to further slash production costs and develop an even smaller EV below these to cater to emerging markets.
Tentatively pencilled in as the Model 2, it won’t be a scaled-down Model 3, as considerable changes would need to be made to develop a cost-effective platform and also bring down average production complexities for the Model Y/3 line. The new mass-market Tesla is currently one of its top priorities and meeting the sub-$35,000 price target is essential here. Rumour mills are abuzz that a prototype has been made and testing might begin soon. So, what do we know about this new Tesla? Well, it is most likely going to be a crossover like the Model Y rather than being a sedan since the crossover shape has greater appeal across various markets.
Tesla Model Y | Image: Tesla
It is also a Tesla that might have been designed outside US, since the Model 2 would be ideal for the Chinese market to the European markets where small hatchbacks are a rage. The new platform that the Model 2 would be underpinned on, would be half in terms of costs in comparison to the Model 3/Y along with an eye on massively increasing capacity at its Gigafactory in Shanghai and Berlin.
While the design would be like the Model Y, the shape would be like a high-riding hatchback along with some unique design details exclusive to this car. There would be cost-cutting in terms of features where it won’t have many physical controls or a rear screen or even a glass roof along with a simple software-oriented set-up. Tesla is keen to preserve autonomous features for the Model 2 and keep all its software-fed technology for the car.
Tesla could further save costs by using lithium iron phosphate batteries which are light to make but do not have the same range as nickel batteries. Currently, Tesla has other important launches in the pipeline including the long-delayed Cybertruck and the Roadster hence, the Model 2 market launch is easily some years away but in terms of significance, it would be its most important model yet.
Somnath Chatterjee
Somnath Chatterjee is an experience car journalist and automotive expert. His supercar reviews, interviews and industry features have appeared in global publications such as Upscale living, Robb Report and Yahoo Lifestyle Asia. Somnath specialises in luxury and lifestyle-oriented features with a focus on automobiles, aviation and luxury. He also holds a Post Graduate in International Business from the University of Dehli.
