Tesla fans believe they have spotted a Model 2 out for a road test ahead of the highly-anticipated launch of the cheapest car in the EV maker’s line-up.
Taking to social media, the Tesla owner wrote:
“New Model 2 or Q?”
The Tesla Model 2 is expected to have a starting price of $25,000, but due to recent global shortages and rising inflation, the price may increase to around $30,000-$35,000+ by the time it rolls off the production line. Tesla’s implementation of full body casting may also influence the final cost of the Model 2.
As a budget hatchback, the Model 2 is likely to have a scaled-down version of the Model 3 body style and fewer luxury features in the interior. The Model 2 is expected to come equipped with Full Self-Driving capability, and its range is estimated to be around 250 to 300 miles. The Model 2’s battery technology may be an LFP battery or BYD’s Blade batteries. The Model 2’s 0-60 acceleration will be slower than other Tesla models, but it will still have instant torque. The ‘Model 2’s’ production timeline is unclear, but it may be available for pre-order in early 2024 or during Q4 of 2023.
The official name of Tesla’s budget EV project remains unknown, but the automaker is taking precautions to avoid any potential legal disputes with Ford over the name. Ford has previously used the name Model 2, so Tesla wants to steer clear of any trademark conflicts. Interestingly, some people in the media have given the project different names, such as the Tesla Model Q, which originated from a rendering by an Instagram user named CarForce247, although it’s not an official Tesla design. Others have referred to the budget-friendly Tesla as the “Baby Tesla,” with the belief that it will be the smallest Tesla available.
Thank you to Sean Sal from the Tesla Model X Owners Club on Facebook for the images.
