What does a $25,000 Tesla look like? Foreign media made bold guesses

Reporter | Zhou Chunliang

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Musk has revealed in 2020 that tesla will launch an entry-level model within 3 years. Now, the car is getting closer and closer to its launch. In response, Foreign Media Carscoops produced a speculative rendering, showing what the automaker's first attempt in the compact hatchback field might look like.

Although it has not yet been officially named, it is often referred to as the "Tesla Model 2", and some people have proposed the name "Model C", but this is not the final name.

It is expected to hit the market in 2023, position itself below the Model 3, and change the automotive market landscape with a target entry price of $25,000.

Carscoops' only visual reference to Tesla's hatchback was an official sketch revealed in 2020 when it solicited design proposals for new models produced in China. The all-new entry-level Tesla might feature an aerodynamic five-door body design with coupe-style roof lines, large-diameter wheels and short cantilevers.

Various design features of the Model 3 and Model Y may be found in this compact hatchback, such as similar window lines, pop-up door handles, grilled front faces, panoramic sunroofs and LED headlights mounted on the front fenders.

Entry-level Tesla may also inherit some of the crossover styles of existing models, which are quite popular among the target group.

The interior will most likely retain Tesla's signature minimalist style, with a giant longitudinal infotainment touchscreen and no other superfluous design. It is also expected to provide enough space for passengers and their luggage, taking advantage of a dedicated electric vehicle architecture and a practical hatchback silhouette with a short hood.

Tesla's designers are likely to add the profile steering wheel and the strange shifting that first appeared in the Model S/Model X earlier this year. But since this is an entry-level model with a wider target group, they may opt for some less controversial designs.

If Tesla keeps its promise of a base price of $25,000, the compact hatchback will weaken its main competitors in the space, namely the Volkswagen ID.3 and Nissan Leaf, and even cheaper than small electric vehicles like the Peugeot E-208 and Honda E. At this price, it will rival the compact hatchbacks powered by internal combustion engines such as the Volkswagen Golf, marking the beginning of a new era.

On the technical side, the model is expected to use the automaker's 4680 battery cells, halving production costs to nearly $107 per kWh while offering a higher range than conventional batteries. Elon Musk has said that the minimum acceptable range for Tesla products is at least 250 miles (402 kilometers), which sounds like a good number for the entry-level model of the upcoming model and the longest range to date in the compact segment.

Of course, the entry-level Tesla will also offer a more expensive version with a longer range, possibly on par with the Model 3's long range of 352 miles (566 kilometers). We also want to see a performance-focused version with more powerful dual motors that deliver stunning performance.

High-end models are likely to feature the latest ADAS technology, including Tesla's auto-assisted driving technology, though it's highly unlikely that the model will be as fully autonomous as Elon Musk had hoped a few years ago.

Tesla's first compact hatchback is likely to be produced at its Shanghai plant in China for local markets and global exports. However, there are reports that Tesla may also be produced at its Berlin factory in Germany for use in the European market.

However, the above information is speculated by Carscoops and has not been officially confirmed by Tesla.