Affordable Tesla model turns out to be slimmed-down Model Y

Tesla is reportedly planning to launch an "affordable" Tesla model, which was recently spotted undisguised on a US highway in Florida. Customers and the media had long hoped for a completely new entry-level vehicle, often referred to as the "Model 2". Instead, the prototype shows that Tesla is opting for a simplified version of the Model Y. According to Electrek, this affordable Tesla model reduces key comfort and equipment features, but remains only slightly cheaper than the regular Model Y.

Design

Externally, the affordable Tesla model is characterized by omission of the LED light bars of the Model Y Juniper Refresh. Narrow individual headlights at the front and a simple black crossbar at the rear replace the continuous strips, while new aerodynamic rims slightly increase efficiency.

Interior

Several comfort features have been removed from the interior. The panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting and the additional 8-inch display for the rear seats are lacking, and the seat adjustment and ventilation system have been simplified. This saves production costs, but significantly reduces comfort compared to the standard Model Y.

Originally planned entry-level model canceled

The originally planned entry-level model for around $25,000, internally called the "Model 2," has been canceled, according to Reuters. Instead, the price of the low-cost Tesla model is around $40,000, $5,000 less than the standard Model Y. Due to the elimination of government subsidies in the US, the entry-level price has increased, so the price advantage remains limited.