Talks about the affordable Tesla Model 2 have been going on for years now, but there have been no official statements so far. Tesla promised to start production of its affordable Tesla in 2025’s first half to launch it mid-year.
Long-time Tesla watcher on X has shared some interesting-looking footage and pictures of a test car under covers.
These leaked images and aerial footage of a possible Tesla Model 2 or Model Q are doing the rounds on social media. This is not the first time we have something like this as a similar test car was seen in the Fremont Factory too.
Could Tesla really be focusing on bringing its ‘A’ game amidst all the political controversies and new model launch expectations? Let’s find out!
Tesla’s Secret Model 2 Test Car Spotted at Giga Texas
This is not the first time Tesla has been secretly testing its vehicles right before their launch or going into production. The sighting does straighten out one thing that Tesla is working on an affordable EV, given its compact shape and size.
The X user, Joe Tegtmeyer, shared a 41-second drone footage of the test car parked next to Model Y. The footage clearly shows how compact it looks in front of the Tesla bestseller Model Y. In fact, if you look closely, this indeed appears to be a shrunken version of the EV.
He shared the images that show no body panels or roof, but one can make out the wheels to be the ones seen on Model Y. Users on X soon started commenting on his post, where everyone coveted it to be the affordable Tesla.
One pointed out that it looks rather similar to the one displayed at the annual shareholders meeting last year.
Looks like the vehicle that was on display at the last annual shareholders meeting. pic.twitter.com/hLcGBGWQcU
— Ryan Takeuchi (@RyanTakeuchi_) May 12, 2025
Others made fun of the no-body panel and roof part, saying, Yes, this would be an extremely affordable Tesla.
I know they said there would be more affordable models, but this vehicle looks extremely affordable – no doors, no windows, no panels, no paint – are there any brakes?
— Cern Basher (@CernBasher) May 12, 2025
Tesla Testing In Secret
Earlier in mid-April, another X user, Met God in Wilderness, shared some aerial footage of a similar vehicle. He captured a test car in some of his drone videos from the Fremont factory. The apparent Tesla test car was parked next to a Model Y and Model S, and was missing body parts and had a cover on.
The test car looks similar to the one recently shared by Joe, as it was compact in size and devoid of all body panels.
The fact that similar test vehicles have been seen in two locations in recent times means Tesla is close to getting ready for the launch of its low-cost Tesla. Tesla never tests its vehicles out in the open or without camouflage. The leading EV automaker keeps testing in secret and makes a big reveal when people least expect it.
Tesla is quietly working on the news upcoming model, which very well could be the affordable Model 2.
What We Know About The Affordable Tesla?
Like always, there is no official news on the upcoming affordable Model 2 specs, but they did give us a few hints. Elon Musk earlier scrapped the idea of an affordable car, but later in April last year, said that they would bring new models.
Lars Moravy, Tesla VP Vehicle Engineering, at the earnings call, said that the upcoming affordable EV would match the existing line while being cheaper. He even mentioned that they are on track to bring in the new vehicles as planned for 2025.
While he did not confirm the popular codenames for the affordable Tesla, like Model 2 or Model Q, but did mention that it would keep the existing EVs shape and form. Also, mentioned that people would be able to buy one.
Experts believe that the affordable version might be a compact sedan or a crossover with a price tag of anywhere between $25,000-$30,000. They say it might not be as powerful as the current ones but will have a range between 250-300 miles, perfect for daily travels.
The recent leaked images do hint at it being somewhere closer to a Model Y but one can never be too sure around a Tesla decision.
Upcoming Tesla Model 2 Launch Date
Tesla said that they would begin production in early 2025, with recent sightings, it looks like they might be on a similar path.
Right now, Tesla’s future is dependent on various key factors. Among which the most crucial is the launch of new vehicles that are affordable for everyone yet satisfy the needs of a buyer with its features.
A cheaper Tesla option would enable more families to opt for a Tesla, as one of the biggest reasons people don’t buy EVs is their price. With an affordable Tesla, millions of new EV buyers can opt for it.
Rival automakers like BYD, Chevrolet, Rivian, etc., are also trying to build affordable EVs for their customers. Tesla might become the first one to lead the market with the affordable Model 2 launch.
Bottomline
Tesla has slowed a little in recent months amidst Cybertruck flaws, Robotaxi hiccups, and the ongoing tensions over business in Europe. Even though we have no clue about the name, be it Project Redwood, Model 2, or a Q, a low-cost EV would greatly help bring back a boost in Tesla’s growth.
