Low cost Tesla Model Y.
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We now know the “new” more affordable Tesla model will just be a decontented Model Y. And not an all-new smaller car with a new design. Outside, the light bar will probably be gone and the glass roof will disapear.
This will basically be the equivalent to a base model Hyundai Ioniq 5 or VW ID.4. As you can see, it will also probably be ony a RWD model. And a smaller battery is alsdo expexted.
Last year, Tesla revealed a cheaper version of the Model 3 sedan for the Mexican market. It costs the equivalent of around $35,000 and has non-heated cloth seats or a heated steering wheel. These are the main changes, and somehow, the car costs around $4000 less than the regular Model 3.
The current RWD Tesla Model Y starts at $45,000 with a range of 357 miles. I wonder how much they could save by offering something with a sub-300-mile range.
There will probably be fewer choices, and the white interior will probably not be part of the menu. Same thing with the optional wheels. It also looks like the rear screen is gone, which was expected. Upfront, it seems the center console has been shrunk down to a minimum. There is now a vast empty space between the cup holders and phone chargers. The whole thing could end up looking much cheaper than the competition. Which already starts at under $40,000.
Even with a lower starting price point, the new version will not solve Tesla’s many problems. Millions around the world will now never buy a Tesla because of Musk’s behavior. No matter how cheap they are.
On top of this, the “new” model is still basically a design introduced in 2020. Nothing new at all. It’s like Toyota offering a cheaper version of the current Corolla to boost sales.
Another huge problem is the lack of future designs. A site seems Tesla has nothing in the pipeline. And it takes years to engineer and design a new car.
Musk mentioned again this out-of-touch idea that most people want a Tesla, and the only thing that prevents sales growth is their price. Which is something he has said before when claiming there was an unlimited demand for tesla cars.
Someone that out of touch with reality is a grave danger for the company…
Good luck…
Selling stripped down, de-contented versions of existing models is a classic automaker tactic. Remember Chrysler’s “America” series?
These stripped down models would also work well for (Cyber)taxis and police fleets. Who knew the Model Y had the potential to become the modern era’s “Crown Victoria?”