Looking forward to Tesla’s long-awaited “affordable” electric vehicle? Well, prepare to wait even longer.
For years, Tesla has promised a cheaper, affordable version of its electric vehicles. And each time one of those reports breaks, they are usually followed by news that Tesla CEO Elon Musk “killed” the company’s latest affordable car project.
However, the most concrete news of an affordable Tesla came late last year when the company gave an update during its earnings report.
“Preparations remain underway for our offering of new vehicles — including more affordable models — which we will begin launching in the first half of 2025,” Tesla said in the report, even doubling down on the timeframe.
So, how’s that affordable electric vehicle coming along?
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It’s been delayed once again, according to a new report from Reuters.
It’s unclear exactly why the affordable Tesla model, known internally at the company as E41, has been pushed back this time. Reuters’ sources say that the company is still planning to make the vehicle, with production expected to begin in the U.S. soon.
The current timeframe for Tesla’s seemingly eternally delayed affordable EV? Sometime between the third quarter of this year and early 2026. Next year, the company could produce as many as 250,000 affordable Model Y vehicles.
While the price point for an “affordable” Tesla hasn’t been revealed, Musk has long talked about an affordable EV for around $25,000, which would be roughly half the price of the current Tesla Model Y. The company may be hoping that a cheaper Tesla would help the company boost sales during a difficult time period.
Tesla sales have taken a hit in recent months. (And as a result of Tesla’s sales woes, Tesla’s stock has fallen, too.) The company has experienced blowback from consumers over CEO Musk’s relationship with President Donald Trump and Musk’s involvement in the federal government cost-cutting project known as DOGE. Tesla protests have become global as well. In Germany, Tesla sales have plummeted by 76 percent.
Tesla customers are also seeking to get rid of their vehicles through trade-ins and on the used car market at record-highs.