HOW IT WORKS A few years ago, rumours spread around the internet that Tesla was working on a whole new tiny electric car to sit below the Model 3 and Model Y in its lineup.
Last year, in Tesla’s third so-called “Master Plan,” we received our first specific evidence that a tiny model is definitely in the works. Regarding the name, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously disqualified the Model 2 while Model C or Model Q have alternatively been mentioned in certain rumours.
In its Master Plan 3 presentation, Tesla revealed its plans to expand its product lineup over the coming years to include a bus, a new commercial van, and a new small vehicle. The new tiny Tesla is expected to sell more than 40 million times over the course of its lifetime, which would put it on par with Toyota Corollas in terms of ubiquity.
The Model 2/C/Q, or whatever it will be named, is still unknown as to whether it will be a sedan, hatchback, or SUV, but we can be certain that it will be smaller than a Tesla Model Y. At least a 53-kWh battery pack filled with Tesla’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells would be included in the new small model.
The larger, heavier Tesla Model Y starts out with a 75 kWh battery pack, 279 EPA-estimated miles of range, and a sprint to 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds; the highest available range is 330 miles, and the fastest variants have reached 60 mph in 3.5 seconds during our testing.
To compete with a lengthy list of upcoming smaller EVs from legacy automakers, including the Volkswagen ID2, which isn’t slated for America, the mini Tesla is expected to start at roughly $25,000. Given Tesla’s ambitious sales goals, it should go without saying that this model will be available worldwide.
It’s tough to predict when the small Tesla will hit the market because there isn’t a clear release date. Since Tesla revealed its second Master Plan seven years ago and hasn’t yet completed all outlined in it, it’s likely that the third Master Plan’s schedule will be at least another seven years long.
Expect to patiently wait for any newly announced Tesla vehicles given the production delays with the Roadster and Cybertruck. You still desire a date? Accept our estimate of late 2025, but don’t hold us to it.