Experts demand a cheap car from Tesla. However, the affordable model is expected to fall surprisingly short. To offer the vehicle at a low price, the manufacturer is likely to forgo many details and comfort features. Critics say: Tesla could have introduced a new model instead.
Experts and car enthusiasts have long been urging Tesla and Elon Musk to present an affordable electric car that could reach many customers. This could help reverse Tesla’s currently weak numbers back in the right direction. Musks plan regarding the controversial Cybercab is considered questionable by many and a financial fiasco.
Meanwhile, the indications are increasing that there will soon be an affordable model, but Tesla CEO Elon Musk has already stated that there won’t be a proper, new model: Instead, there will be a variant of the Model Y.
However, initial reports now show that the stripped-down model could be even worse than expected.
Is the stripped-down version of the Model Y even still a Model Y?
Where does the information come from? GreenTheOnly on X.com is known as a hacker and expert in the Tesla universe and is known for uncovering hidden features in the company’s apps and software. This includes specifications of new vehicles. This has been reported by Carscoops.com.
What exactly will the “new” model look like? Many probably realized beforehand, after Musk’s statement, that there would likely be a stripped-down version of the Model Y. However, the new reports are even worse than some had expected.
- The Model Y is set to forgo the well-known panoramic glass roof. Instead, it is expected to feature a simplified fiberglass roof covering.
- The lighting system in the vehicle, which was first introduced with the Y, will also be omitted.
- The electrically folding mirrors will be removed, as will the door handle lighting and a touchscreen in the second row.
- To further reduce costs, Tesla seems to be using cheaper chassis components, simplified seat controls, and a basic set of 18-inch wheels.
- The rearview camera heating is also expected to disappear.
- The central “Airwave” system, a ventilation system in the Tesla, is also set to be omitted.
- Two stripped-down audio system options will also be offered, which is expected to represent a significant step back from the current Y model.
Critics are already saying that there won’t be anything left of the real Model Y this way, and they could have offered their own model instead. This is reported by the English-language magazine Insideevs.com.
What is the current price for the Model Y? The Tesla Model Y is available in Germany starting at a list price of €44,990 for the base model. The new variant is expected to be priced around just above or below $35,000. In Germany, that would be around €30,000.
How does the competition look? However, other manufacturers continue to offer significantly cheaper models: The Dacia Spring costs around €16,900 for the base version. The Renault Twingo Electric starts at around €20,000, which is also significantly lower than Tesla.
Other manufacturers are also pushing into the European and German market with electric vehicles: For example, the Chinese manufacturer BYD has already overtaken Tesla and could pose a threat to European manufacturers.
Tesla currently has a problem that needs addressing regarding autonomous driving. An example highlights this: Two YouTubers wanted to drive completely autonomously across the USA in a Tesla. However, the drive ended after just 100 kilometers. The assistance system ran over an obstacle on the road: Two drivers wanted to prove how great Tesla’s autopilot works, but the journey ended after just 100 kilometers.
