There has been speculation since the beginning of 2020 about a smaller Tesla model, which will be placed under the Tesla Model 3. This model has been called “Tesla Model Q” for a long time. It is currently not known whether the small electric car will be given this name. Just a few days ago at the so-called Tesla Earnings Call, Elon Musk again spoke very intensively about the plans for a smaller model.
"The next generation vehicle will cost about half of the 3/Y platform and will be smaller. I think it will certainly exceed the production of all other vehicles combined," said company boss Elon Musk in a conference call after the figures were released. Elon Musk's stated goal is an electric car for around $25,000. This would be a declaration of war, especially in the electric car segment there are currently hardly any alternatives in this class.
He has not yet specified whether it is a small or compact car. According to previous statements by the Tesla boss, there could be a model from China and one from and specifically for Europe. Tesla already publicly presented a first draft in 2020, there are currently no other drafts for this model.
As with other models that have already been announced, such as the Tesla Cybertruck or the Tesla Semi, this new model has also been delayed because, according to Elon Musk, the other models already presented have a higher priority. However, as Elon Musk announced on the earnings call, the entry-level Tesla is in the works and is being actively promoted. The development team for new vehicles can now put their “main focus” on the new platform because “we are done with the engineering for Cybertruck and Semi,” says Musk. "Of course, we will incorporate everything we've learned from the S, X, 3, Y, Cybertruck and Semi into this platform." "But we're on a 2-for-1 target. We're trying to get back to that figure of 50% of the cost."
The goal of having a significantly cheaper electric car on offer is made more difficult by the increased costs due to expensive logistics and raw materials. However, there is potential for savings in the area of the battery. Here the future will show how the development will continue.
