A Disruptive Budget EV?
Rumors of Tesla’s Model 2, a $19,990 electric vehicle (EV) with a 300-mile range, have set the USA abuzz, with leaks suggesting a 2025 launch. Codenamed “Redwood,” this compact crossover or hatchback aims to make EVs accessible, rivaling gas-powered cars like the $23,950 Honda Civic and budget EVs like the Chevy Bolt EV. However, the $19,990 price, fueled by X posts and unverified sources, is skeptical, with industry experts estimating $25,000-$30,000 due to battery costs and tariffs. Could this be Tesla’s game-changer or just hype?
Sleek Design & Smart Features
The Model 2 is expected to sport a scaled-down Model Y look with sleek LED headlights, a minimalist grille, and 18-inch wheels. Built on a next-gen platform with LFP batteries, it may offer 150-200 bhp and a 250-300 mile range. Features include a 15-inch touchscreen, Autopilot (with Full Self-Driving as an $8,000 option), OTA updates, and a vegan interior. While a glass roof might be skipped to cut costs, it’s poised for urban efficiency with a 0-60 mph sprint in ~6 seconds.
- Model Y-inspired compact crossover styling
- 15-inch touchscreen with Tesla UI
- Autopilot standard, FSD optional
- 250-300 mile range with LFP batteries
- Supercharger-compatible (125-150 kW)
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery | 53-60 kWh LFP (estimated) |
| Range | 250-300 miles (estimated) |
| Power | 150-200 bhp (single motor) |
| Price | $25,000-$30,000 (likely) |
| Release Date | Mid-2025 (production start) |
The $19,990 price is unconfirmed and likely unrealistic without subsidies.
Why It’s Creating Hype
The Model 2 could democratize EVs, undercutting the $38,990 Model 3 and leveraging a $7,500 tax credit to near $20,000. Tesla’s “unboxed” manufacturing process, assembling cars in modular zones, could slash costs by 50%, enabling high-volume production at Giga Texas (10,000 units/week). However, Elon Musk’s October 2024 focus on the $30,000 Cybercab and Reuters’ April 2024 report of a scrapped low-cost EV raise doubts. X posts amplify the $19,990 claim, but experts warn it may reflect a base model with reduced range (250 miles) or delayed launch (2027).
Launch & Reality Check
Production is slated for June 2025 at Giga Texas, with a possible reveal at a Q1 2025 event. Deliveries may start late 2025, but analysts like Evercore predict full-scale production only by 2027. The $19,990 price seems improbable without Chinese battery sourcing (facing tariffs) or major cost cuts. Visit tesla.com for updates. If Tesla delivers a 300-mile EV near $25,000, it could reshape the market—but don’t hold your breath for $19,990 just yet.