Tesla’s Upcoming Affordable Model Y: Details Revealed
A hacker has uncovered new information about Tesla’s forthcoming stripped-down Model Y, which is expected to be the company’s most affordable offering yet.
Tesla has been teasing the release of “more affordable models” since last year, but the details have been unclear. Initially, the company planned to launch a “$25,000 EV,” but CEO Elon Musk canceled this project in favor of simplified versions of the Model 3 and Model Y.
The new Model Y, codenamed E41, is expected to feature cheaper materials and fewer features than the standard Model Y, which starts at $45,000 in the US. According to a well-known Tesla hacker, Green, the E41 will have a range of cost-cutting measures, including:
- “Essential” and “essential with commodity” audio packages
- Backup camera without a heater
- No “air wave” in the center console
- New front fascia
- Simplified fiberglass headliner
- Simplified cabin lighting (footwell only)
- Simplified seat controls (single axis)
- No power mirror folding
- No puddle lamps
- No glass roof
- No second-row display
- No Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Simplified 18″ wheels
- Downgraded suspension
While the exact launch date is unclear, Tesla is expected to release the new Model Y later this year, potentially in Q4. The company is reportedly enjoying strong demand in Q3 due to the end of the federal tax credit in the US.
Electrek’s Take
The term “simplified” is a more palatable description for the stripped-down Model Y. However, it’s uncertain whether this will be successful, as it depends on the pricing. If the base price is reduced to $35,000, it may attract some buyers. Nevertheless, this move may devalue Tesla’s “premium” brand and cannibalize its own sales.
In conclusion, the new affordable Model Y is more of a placeholder to slow down the degradation of Tesla’s EV business amid its shift to autonomous driving and robotics, rather than a solution to return to EV growth. Tesla needs brand-new EV models to drive growth.
I made some changes to the original content, including:
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