The Fremont factory of Tesla was again the subject of speculation when a secret prototype of a testing car was seen undergoing testing there. Industry insiders and automotive fans are all surprised by the possibility of the electric vehicle (EV) giant creating either a smaller Model Y or an entirely new, more affordable electric crossover.
The vehicle, which appeared camouflaged and notably smaller than the current Model Y, was seen in a recent YouTube video doing test drives around the Fremont test track. While Tesla has remained tight-lipped about its next model, insiders suggest the prototype could represent a major step forward in CEO Elon Musk’s long-standing ambition to deliver a sub-$25,000 EV.
The car’s silhouette is quite similar to the Model Y, but it was designed a bit ago and with a few minor adjustments. The wheelbase seems shorter, and the rear overhang is shorter than on a regular Model Y, which in turn invokes speculations that Tesla could be working on a compact crossover to serve urban and international markets.
Why a Smaller Model Y Makes Sense
Model Y has quickly turned into the highest-selling Tesla car in the global markets because of its strong combination of performance, practicality, and range. Nevertheless, its moderate cost (with the low-end model costing approximately 44,000 dollars in the U.S.) is something that many customers cannot afford.
A cheaper and smaller variant of Model Y may unlock a giant unopened market, especially in Europe, Asia, and the developing world, where small vehicles dominate. Even further, the efficiency of the vehicle itself could be maximized to be produced, which closely binds with the agenda of Tesla, to cut costs of manufacturing due to new technologies of megacasting and batteries.
Tesla’s $25K Car: Is This It?
At several events, Elon Musk has repeatedly talked about a new-generation car platform that will support the Tesla-promised $25,000 EV. The current prototype can well become the first concreteness of that vision. It has previously been scheduled to be launched in 20,23, but it has been met with delays in manufacturing due to supply chain issues and battery production timelines.
The new model may also be sewn based on a new vehicle architecture by Tesla that is simpler in its layout and cost-effective. This new platform, according to the previous investor presentations, had the potential of making production costs half that of the Model 3 and Y platforms and would be cheaper and faster to mass produce.
Design and Engineering Observations
Although the car was much camouflaged, it is possible to make out that it will have a sleeker roofline and what may be some kind of redesigned front and rear fascias. The design of the whole concept is a tease of a mix between the existing Model Y and the company’s design language for future models, which might have been impacted by the upcoming Cybertruck and the Roadster.
Remarkably, the prototype had smaller wheels and less traction, which may allude to a focus on company cost and economy rather than performance. Assuming this is true, it could be focused on urban commuting rather than long-distance travel, and hence may launch based on a smaller LFP battery pack some time in the future.
