Tesla is reportedly working on a brand new, smaller compact SUV that will be its most affordable model and has apparently already been in contact with suppliers in proceeding. The report by Reuters indicates that the model will be new and not a stripped-down version of an existing one with pricing under USD 30,000 (~RM119,000).
Tesla is reportedly working on a brand new, smaller compact SUV that will be its most affordable model and has apparently already been in contact with suppliers in proceeding.
The report by Reuters indicates that the model will be new and not a stripped-down version of an existing one with pricing under USD 30,000 (~RM119,000).
It will truly be a compact model, measuring in around just longer than 4 metres, or about the length of a Volvo EX30 or BYD Dolphin.
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Pricing will be significantly lower than its pared down, entry-level Model 3, which starts at RM 152,600 for the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive here in Malaysia. The same report suggests that much of the savings will be courtesy of a smaller battery, lowering the driving range. This will also reduce the model’s weight to better balance out the range.
There might also not be a performance variant of the new model with just a sole single motor option. Current Teslas have the option of two electric motors for quicker performance.
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Nonetheless, this news should be taken with a large tablespoon of salt given that Tesla CEO Elon Musk axed a previous affordable model to shift the company’s focus towards humanoid robots and autonomous robotaxis. The purported Model 2 was dropped in 2024.
Following that, Tesla had planned to build robotaxis on that discontinue platform but it appears that the new direction will see a human-driven option alongside it.
Globally, Tesla’s main EV rivals from China had already started producing much cheaper EVs and could be a reason for the revival of a new, more affordable model.
Furthermore, robotaxis or fully autonomous cars would still encounter issues in adoption as well as nor regulatory restrictions, making the option of a human-driven variant boosting sales.
Lastly, while Testa has reportedly spoken to suppliers, the new, cheaper model yes yet to receive the green light, making the possibility of it being sent to the stars like Musk’s personal cherry red Tesla Roadster with a mannequin named Starman in the driver’s seat very much a possibility.