Tesla Working on Smaller, Cheaper Electric SUV

Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla is reportedly developing a new car that addresses one of the biggest criticisms of its current lineup: price. According to sources familiar with the matter, the company is working on an entirely new model - not just a variant of existing vehicles like the Model 3 or Model Y.

The new SUV will be significantly smaller than the Model Y, which measures around 15.7 feet in length. In contrast, this upcoming vehicle is expected to be roughly 14 feet long, making it one of the more compact options in Tesla’s lineup.

One of the key features that could make this car stand out from other electric vehicles on the market is its price point. The report suggests that it will be substantially cheaper than the Model 3, which starts at $37,000 in the US. This would put it within reach of a wider range of buyers who are looking for an affordable electric vehicle.

Tesla plans to manufacture this new SUV in China, and there’s also speculation about its powertrain configuration. The car might come with a smaller battery and just one motor instead of two - both options that could make the vehicle lighter but potentially reduce its range compared to other Tesla models.

It’s worth noting that details on when exactly this new car will be launched are scarce at present, and the report emphasizes that the project is still in an early development stage. This means it may not come to fruition after all - or at least not as planned.

The fact that Tesla is working on a more affordable electric vehicle isn’t entirely surprising given its recent moves. The company has been shifting focus towards offering cheaper variants of existing models, rather than launching new ones from scratch. However, this development suggests that the company may be revisiting some earlier plans to create a dedicated budget-friendly option.

Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk had hinted at working on something ‘way cooler than a minivan’ just a few weeks ago - although it remains unclear whether this is indeed related to the new SUV project. The company has been busy with other projects, including its Cybercab (or Robovan) autonomous vehicle initiative.

The development of an affordable electric SUV marks a significant shift in Tesla’s strategy and could potentially address some of the criticisms surrounding its current lineup - particularly when it comes to pricing. However, only time will tell if this new project will see the light of day as planned.