Tesla is planning to launch a brand new automobile this week, which is predicted to be a brand new base variant of the Mannequin Y – sometimes called a “stripped-down Mannequin Y.”
Right here’s all the pieces we all know concerning the new electrical automobile.
Tesla’s new “extra inexpensive fashions”
Tesla has been speaking about launching new “extra inexpensive fashions” throughout the first half of the yr.
The primary half of 2025 got here and went with out new, cheaper fashions. As a substitute, Tesla claimed that the “first construct” of the brand new mannequin was produced in June, and it’ll launch later this yr.
Now, it’s lastly upon us.
A number of teasers launched during the last two days verify that Tesla plans to launch a brand new automobile on Tuesday, October seventh.
Every thing means that it’s not a brand new “mannequin” however fairly a brand new base variant of the Mannequin Y.
There was confusion surrounding what Tesla plans to launch, and CEO Elon Musk has been largely answerable for it. The CEO introduced at Tesla’s Battery Day in 2020 that the automaker was engaged on delivering a “$25,000 electrical automotive.”
Nevertheless, as we now have been reporting for a yr, Musk canceled Tesla’s deliberate “$25,000 EV” in favor of stripped-down variations of its Mannequin 3 and Mannequin Y.
When it was first reported that the automobile program was canceled, Musk denied the information.
On account of Tesla nonetheless referring to them as “new, extra inexpensive fashions”, many individuals believed that Tesla would nonetheless deliver to market new, cheaper fashions.
Musk lastly confirmed that the primary “new inexpensive mannequin” is in truth merely a Mannequin Y again in July.
Whereas Tesla first supposed to launch the brand new cheaper variants within the first half of the yr, we reported that the automaker would seemingly wait till This fall because it benefited from inflated demand in Q3 as a result of tax credit score for electrical autos going away.
Tesla’s E41 stripped-down Mannequin Y
We already know virtually all the pieces concerning the new stripped-down Mannequin Y. Prototypes have been noticed for months, and lately, Tesla didn’t trouble to camouflage them.
Photographs and specs have additionally leaked by means of Tesla’s software program and web site.
As for the design, it encompasses a simplified back and front and loses the lightbars that had been launched within the Mannequin Y design refresh earlier this yr.
There’s no glass roof, which is presently normal on the Mannequin Y.
The wheels additionally look like cheaper-looking, with a visual wheel cowl. Though there is perhaps a fancier one out there based mostly on one of many teasers:
Inside, Tesla is predicted to make use of cheaper supplies, particularly textiles on the seats, a simplified fiberglass headliner, much less cabin lighting, and single-axis seat controls.
Moreover, the automobile is predicted to have a lesser audio system and no display for the second row.
The stripped-down Mannequin Y can be believed to be shedding a power-folding mirror and be outfitted with a downgraded suspension.
As for the specs, Tesla is probably going going to stay to a rear-wheel-drive motor, however with a smaller LFP battery pack than within the one within the present base model of the Mannequin Y.
We are able to anticipate a variety of between 250 and 300 miles (400-485 km).
Electrek’s Take
The most important unknown is the value. Tesla is slicing a number of options right here.
Contemplating the present Mannequin Y Lengthy Vary RWD begins at $45,000 within the US, we must always anticipate a less expensive worth.
I believe it must be between $30,000 and $35,000. If it’s greater than that, it is going to be a redo of the Cybertruck RWD, which solely lasted a number of months.
We have to remember that the Mannequin Y Lengthy Vary RWD was $37,500 within the US with the tax credit score final week.
If Tesla is nearer to $30,000, it’s a win, however whether it is increased than $35,000, it’s a massive loss.
I hoped for an occasion with an opportunity for a “another factor” second, but it surely doesn’t even appear to be Tesla is planning an occasion to unveil this. The automaker solely talked about the date, October seventh, and not using a time for an occasion.
The automaker introduced a gaggle of Tesla influencers to Gigafactory Texas final week, more than likely to showcase this automobile.
Due to this fact, I anticipate a launch on the web site and social media, that includes content material from influencers, in addition to a number of choose shops, resembling Jay Leno’s Storage and Motor Pattern, relying on how Tesla feels about them in the mean time.
