EV titan Tesla is known for its high-end electric vehicles, such as the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y. But what if the company could offer a more affordable option for the masses? A compact hatchback that would rival the likes of the Chevrolet Bolt? That’s the idea behind the Tesla Model 2, a hypothetical EV that has been imagined by some fans and content creators. The Tesla Model 2 is not an official product, but rather a speculation based on Tesla’s promise to make a $25K car in the future.

The Tesla Model 2 would be smaller and lighter than the Model 3 and Y, and would use the same electric motor and a smaller 50 kWh battery. This would give it a range of around 250 miles on a single charge, which is not far from the Model Y’s rating of 260 miles. The design of the Tesla Model 2 is subject to speculation, as there are no official images or sketches from Tesla. However, some AI-assisted renderings have been created by PoloTo, a YouTube channel that specializes in automotive news and concepts. The renderings show different versions of the car, with varying degrees of resemblance to the existing Tesla models. The Tesla Model 2 would be a game-changer for the EV market, as it would offer a low-cost and high-performance option for many consumers. However, there are some challenges and uncertainties that could delay or prevent its arrival.

Tesla Has Not Confirmed or Announced a Model 2

First, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.  Tesla has not confirmed or announced any plans to make a compact hatchback. The company has other priorities, such as launching the second-generation Roadster and new Cybertruck, which have been delayed for years. Tesla also has to deal with competition from other EV makers, such as Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, GM, Ford, and others.

Technical and Logistical Hurdles

Second, the company has to overcome some technical and logistical hurdles to make a $25K car. The company has to find ways to reduce the cost of batteries, materials, labor, and production. Tesla also has to expand its manufacturing capacity and global presence to meet the demand for such a car.

Regulatory, Legal, and Political Issues

Third, Tesla has to deal with the regulatory, legal, and political issues that could affect its business. The company has to comply with the safety and environmental standards of different countries and regions. Tesla also has to face the lawsuits and investigations that have been filed against it for various reasons.

An Interesting Concept That’s Not a Reality

Tesla Model 2 is an interesting concept that could rattle the EV market. However, it’s not a reality yet, and it may never be. It depends on many factors that are beyond Tesla’s control or prediction.

Electrified Mag’s Take: All this hand-wringing over a $25K Tesla is kind of amusing. Why you say? Because the perfect $25K EV already exists. It’s called the Chevy Bolt and it came out seven years ago, from hoary old General Motors no less. Minus gigacastings, fancy future battery tech, clean-sheet EV platforms, or cult of personality bootlicking. Dowdy old GM fielded a damn good little car based on an existing ICE platform that has garnered a big following and will soon achieve 200K units sold. 

To the consumer, what they care about is reliability and cost to own. They don’t care if the car is made of six gigacastings or what the battery chemistry is, and all of that doesn’t matter if they’re priced out of the market. They also don’t care (much) about what the charging connector looks like as 95% of the time they’re juicing up at home.  

Lastly, to think that GM pulled the plug on the Bolt at the height of its post-COVID-19 popularity is mind-boggling. They came to their senses though and an Ultium’d-up version should be on the market soon. In the meantime, we get renderings and speculation from big kahuna Tesla and its fans on an affordable EV that needs to be liberated from fantasy land. 

Renders courtesy of PoloTo