Rumors are flying about Tesla’s new budget model, so let’s break down the speculation and what we actually know so far
- Tesla is working to bring a cheaper model to the market late this year or early in 2026.
- A drone pilot flying over a Tesla factory might have spotted a development prototype.
- The mystery car lacks doors and a roof, suggesting a prototype under early development.
Tesla has always had a flair for keeping people guessing, but sometimes even the best plans are no match for a drone and a zoom lens. New footage from above Tesla’s Fremont factory might have captured something the company would have preferred to keep under wraps for a little longer.
It is no secret that Tesla is racing to deliver a cheaper, more accessible car to market, as company officials, including Elon Musk himself, have already confirmed it. Now, it looks like a development prototype was spotted sitting in plain sight among several other vehicles, completely uncovered. The rumor mill is in overdrive, so let’s sort out what is fact and what might just be wishful thinking.
More: Tesla Delays Cheaper Smaller Model Y, Plans Stripped-Down Model 3
As pointed out by Teslarati, the drone video embedded below shows a vehicle that seemingly stands apart from Tesla’s current lineup. It sports a narrower roofline and a silhouette that leans toward crossover territory. That matches up with Tesla VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy’s recent comments during the Q1 2025 earnings call, where he mentioned that upcoming models would resemble the existing lineup while integrating features from Tesla’s next-generation platform.
“Models that come out in next months will be built on our lines and will resemble, inform, and shape the cars we currently make. And the key is that they’ll be affordable, and you’ll be able to buy one,” said Moravy. The company also said in its slide deck that “Plans for new vehicles, including more affordable models, remain on track for start of production in the first half of 2025.” Combine those statements with a new sighting, and we have something worth talking about.
Spotted by the YouTube channel Met God In Wilderness, the drone video shows two very interesting things. In one, we see the vehicle mentioned above. The strangest part isn’t just its size and shape; it might be missing a roof and doors. We know this new Tesla is supposed to be de-contented, but that’s a bit extreme.
In a second photo, we see several shells scattered in a lot. None of them have any body panels save for a hood here or there. None appear all that unique or special, but the pictures are a bit too grainy to be sure. It’s plausible that one or more is a redesigned prototype. That includes at least one with Falcon-wing door hinges.
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Another shot shows a covered vehicle being moved from one part of the factory to another. There is no doubt Tesla is working on something. The real question is what that something actually is, and rumors suggest it could be a more basic version of the Model Y, possibly even a slightly smaller one.
The Rumor Mill
Since the announcement about a smaller, more affordable Tesla, people all over the world have guessed about what it would be. In China, where Tesla makes and sells a substantial percentage of its cars, social media accounts and news outlets say they know what’s coming. Dubbed “E80” internally, this new Tesla is basically a low-rent Model Y.
Rumors say it’ll have a 50-55 kWh battery pack, smaller tires, no panoramic glass roof, cloth upholstery, fewer speakers, and fewer amenities. That includes things like ambient lighting, heated seats, and acoustic glass to keep outside noise… outside. Frankly, all of that makes a lot of sense from Tesla’s standpoint. Sure, its lineup is looking a bit dated as a whole, but if it can bring a low-cost Model Y to market for, say, $30,000, consumers will likely take note.
Let’s finish this off with a boatload of salt. There’s no way to be sure about what we’re seeing here. Not only is the camera footage very brief, but it’s also so far away that it’s tough to confirm anything. What’s clear is that the images here, combined with Tesla’s words about future cars, make the timing seem like too good of a coincidence. Is this the Model 2 or whatever else Tesla calls it? Does it look like something different to you? Let us know in the comments below.
Screenshot Met God In Wilderness
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