The affordable Tesla has begun its tests (Video)

This week, a strange Tesla vehicle was spotted speeding on the test track at the Fremont factory in California.

It seems to be the prototype of what could be the future “affordable” Tesla that has been talked about for a while.

The YouTube channel Met God in Wilderness, which regularly flies over the Fremont factory with its drones, has released a new video. It shows a model that closely resembles the Model Y but is shorter, stockier, and partially camouflaged at the front and rear. This prototype was closely followed by a Cybertruck that appears to be equipped with cameras and sensors to record the dynamic performance of the prototype.

Even though some parts are hidden, several elements stand out. The vehicle appears much more compact than the current Model Y. Tesla seems to have decided to differentiate it from the Model Y to avoid disrupting the commercial career of the recently refreshed Model Y. A wise decision! It could be a Performance version, but that seems unlikely: Tesla would not reduce the size of a model just to make it sportier. The hypothesis of an entirely new, budget-friendly model seems more credible.

Another revealing detail: the roof does not have the large panoramic glass typically found on Model Ys. This elimination is a strong indicator, as removing this glass represents a significant cost saving in manufacturing. This aligns with the idea of a vehicle designed to be more affordable.

During the latest update with investors, Lars Moravy, Tesla’s Vice President of Engineering, specified that future affordable models would have a shape very similar to that of the Model Y and Model 3. The goal is to optimize existing production lines without needing to build new factories. However, being shorter, less spacious, and less well-equipped, it will be a distinct model in the automaker’s reduced range.

The prototype spotted this week seems to perfectly align with this strategy: it retains the general style of the Model Y, but in a smaller and simpler version. Even though Tesla has not officially announced anything yet, everything suggests that this budget model is in preparation. The question remains as to when it will be revealed to the public.

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