Tesla’s long-rumored compact model, which was initially speculated to be called the Model 2, might now be released as the Model Q in 2025. According to a report from GlobalChinaEV, this vehicle could start at $25,000 in the U.S. after subsidies, with a debut expected in the first half of 2025.
Previously, Tesla’s primary focus for next year was thought to be the “Juniper” facelift of the Model Y, alongside updates to the Model 3, which has seen improvements in comfort and quality through the “Highland” revision. However, new reports suggest that a completely different model may be launched: a compact vehicle aimed at the mass market.
The Model Q is said to be developed on the same platform as the autonomous Robotaxi, also known as the Tesla Cybercab, which Tesla shifted its focus to in 2024. The compact sedan, known by the internal codename “Redwood,” is expected to be about 15% smaller and 30% lighter than the Model 3, with a length of around 3,988 mm. It will come with one or two motor options and feature LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries with 53 kWh and 75 kWh capacities.
Tesla’s Head of Investor Relations, Travis Axelrod, reportedly confirmed the details during an investor meeting with Deutsche Bank, with the Model Q being positioned as an affordable electric option. The vehicle is expected to be manufactured at Giga Texas, with production possibly expanding to the Giga Mexico plant currently under construction. While the price is projected to be significantly lower than Tesla’s other models, costing around 140,000 yuan in China, the final pricing may fluctuate depending on production costs and other factors.
While no official announcement has been made, earlier reports have indicated that Tesla plans to reveal at least one new model below the Model 3 and Model Y during its Q1 2024 earnings report, adding further weight to the Model Q rumors.
Source: globalchinaev.com
