Recent news about Tesla's most affordable new model, the "Model 2," has been quite tumultuous. According to Tesla's Chief Designer, Franz von Holzhausen, the rumors of the car being "dead" have been seriously exaggerated. The latest updates indicate that the development of the Model 2 is still ongoing, with a potential official launch as early as 2025.
Tesla's Gigafactory in Texas is undergoing a massive expansion, which includes the addition of new production lines and an expanded paint shop. This expansion might not just be in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Model Y Juniper release; it could also be aimed at initial production of the Model 2.
A user named Joe Tegtmeyer shared a clip on X, showcasing footage captured with a drone. In the video, a camouflaged test vehicle appears, resembling a scaled-down version of the Model Y. Since Tesla has officially launched the revamped "Juniper" Model Y, there’s no need for further secrecy around it, sparking speculation that this new car could be the prototype for the Model 2.
According to existing information, the Model 2 is expected to come with a 54 kWh battery pack offering a range of up to 250 miles, and it will include rear seats in its interior design. Considering the U.S. government subsidies, the price of the Model 2 in the U.S. could be close to, if not below, the $30,000 mark of the Cybercab. However, to avoid interfering with the sales of the Model Y Juniper, Tesla may choose to officially announce the details of the Model 2 only in the fourth quarter.
