Tesla could roll out its entry-level US$ 25,000 electric vehicle much earlier than we had expected. According to Tesla Facts, who shared China web media researcher’s “Moneyball” findings on Twitter, documents from Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory recently submitted to the Chinese government mention commencing production of a cheaper third model as soon as 2022. In preparation for this model, the automaker has started accepting design submissions as well as hiring people for the project. It is also claimed that the new car was approved as early as September 2020 and that production verification will be completed in March 2021.
Specifics about the vehicle remain unclear
but it is expected to be based on Model 3’s chassis and use Tesla’s new 4680
battery cells. When first announced by Elon Musk last year, it was thought
production of the entry-level Tesla model would start sometime around 2024 or
2025.
Despite what the Gigafactory Shanghai
documents state, its uncertain that the vehicle will launch in 2022. For
example, Electrek notes that Tesla needs to significantly ramp up production of
the 4680 battery cells to make the vehicle a reality. It will also likely take
some time for Tesla to get its new structural battery pack design ready for
production. Tesla also has a long history of missing its production targets
(except for the Model Y) and already has a lot on its plate, including the
Cybertruck and constructing its new in Berlin.
Regardless of when the new model launches,
it could very well prove to be Tesla’s most popular model and may sell
particularly well in China.
