- Tesla initially planned to launch a more affordable and smaller Model Y variant in H1.
- Latest reports suggest that the launch of the affordable EV has been delayed by months.
- The company aims to produce around 250,000 units of the new model in the United States.
After reporting its first-ever decline in annual deliveries last year, Tesla is bracing for another disappointing year. Analysts attribute the waning demand to a wide range of issues, including damage to the brand caused by CEO Elon Musk’s newfound role within the U.S. Government. Overseas, growing competition, particularly within China (Tesla’s second-largest market), is also cited as a concern, as is the company’s ageing lineup.
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More: Tesla Plans Smaller Model Y That’s 20% Cheaper To Produce
Fans and investors have been hoping for some relief, with the lower-priced Tesla Model Y “Juniper” variants expected to boost sales. More importantly, H1many were anticipating the launch of Tesla’s most affordable EV yet. Inside sources suggest that this model will be a smaller, stripped-down version of the current Model Y, codenamed E41,that will be at least 20% cheaper to produce.
Delay and New Timeline
Tesla had initially stated that it would release and begin production of the cheaper new model in the first half of 2025, with a separate Reuters report later suggesting mass production would accelerate in early 2026. However, it’s now being reported that the launch has been delayed.
According to inside sources cited by Reuters, the “cheaper Model Y” has been delayed by several months, though the reasons remain unclear. The same three sources also informed the outlet that the initial rollout will focus on U.S. customers, with a production goal of 250,000 cars to be manufactured in the United States using existing Model Y production lines.
The Chinese launch of the E41 is noew expected to commence later in 2026, with plans for European production also being considered, although a precise timeline has not been announced. The new car is expected to be around 20 percent cheaper to manufacture than the best-selling Model Y.
Bare-Bones Model 3 Incoming
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Additionally, plans are underway to introduce a stripped-down Model 3 to the market as well. While details are still unclear, this more basic version will likely be based on the rear-wheel-drive model.
To further reduce costs, Tesla will almost certainly need to cut features, such as replacing leatherette ventilated seats with cloth versions (something already done in Mexico) along with using fewer speakers and other cost-cutting measures, similar to the new base version of the Cybertruck. If Tesla really goes all-in, it might even reduce the battery size, though that would impact range.
The $25,000 “Model 2” Scrapped
However, neither of these new cars will be the $25,000 “Model 2” EV that Elon Musk had promised as far back as 2018. Plans for a low-cost, entry-level EV from Tesla were scrapped in favor of the autonomous RoboTaxi, with Musk stating on an earnings call last year that having a regular $25,000 model would be pointless.
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More: A $25,000 Tesla Model 2 Could Hit The Sweet Spot For EV Buyers
The cheaper E41 will still have to overcome the 25 percent tariffs imposed on auto parts. To counteract the levies, Tesla has reportedly increased North American sourcing of parts, which will decrease the E41’s exposure to the ongoing supply chain volatility.
Note: The lead image is a digitally altered version of the current Model Y
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