The new Tesla’s affordable Model Y has been in the news for several days now. Each day passing, new leaks and rumours are popping out, showing the immense anticipation of the new variant. Now, a mysterious Tesla Model Y, hidden in camouflage, appeared at Tesla’s Seaside facility in California. The disguised, ballooned figure led to suggestions that Tesla may be testing a less expensive, redesigned version of its highly sold SUV, a possible clue to a yet-to-be-announced new variant of the model that could be cheaper.
Tesla is not particularly new to protecting their prototypes, creating much excitement and talk even before official deliverables will be available. Notably, there have been eight topped vehicles, including low-riding sedans and what appeared to be crossover-like vehicles seen at the Fremont factory test track and interpreted as being part of the Juniper refreshed Model Y or even the new-generation Roadster.
Similarly, the Seaside spotting is more of that sneaky previewing culture of what may be under the hood.
Affordable or Performance Variant?
The Seaside Model Y is subdued, without any performance-enhancing elements (such as pointy bumpers or giant wheels), so people might wonder: Is this a relatively affordable specimen instead of a hopped-up Performance model? Social media spectators have been arguing over the differences in bump style, lighting design, and trim level, with the potential in the marketplace being a leaner, cost-optimized Model Y to the high-tech, high-performance trims.
Most of Tesla’s engineering is typically based in Northern California, particularly in test drilling installations in Fremont, Palo Alto, and the vicinity. Seaside, which is positioned east of Monterey, does not have a conventional appearance in the spy footage history. The use at that location of a camouflaged prototype could imply its usage as an optimal cost test site that is under-publicized in coverage, so as to prevent prying eyes on initial phase testing.
🔥 Mysterious covered Model Y, possibly more affordable version, spotted at Tesla Seaside, California!
Thoughts?
H/t @RuffyMedia pic.twitter.com/yg4XkI16Re
— The Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) August 13, 2025
What This Means for the EV Market
Tesla has yet to officially announce prices or launch dates, but the stripped-down features suggest that it could be producing a model much cheaper than anything currently offered by Tesla.
As the world is fast adopting the usage of electric vehicles, there is also an emerging trend of affordability becoming a significant factor when deciding on an EV purchase. By launching a cheaper, but stripped-down version of Model Y, Tesla would introduce the company to a wider audience, which values the basic, improved performance and the range more than the luxury features.
The plan resembles the one used by Tesla in the case of the Model 3, which was also launched as a low-cost Standard Range Plus product after the luxury version was released.
