Eager to purchase a brand new all-electric automobile (EV) however hold discovering even the most cost effective ones are nonetheless prohibitively costly? Properly, EV specialist Tesla is eager to unravel that downside – however simply not anytime quickly, if ever.
As reported, Tesla introduced plans in September 2020 to provide a $US25,000 ($A35,562) “European-style” small hatchback by round late 2023. The mannequin has since affectionately been dubbed ‘Mannequin 2’, which would slot in with the core line-up’s naming conference.
Apart from an Autocar report final June that claimed the Mannequin 2 would goal the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Volkswagen ID.3 with a brand new battery that’s 50 per cent cheaper to fabricate and delivers 16 per cent longer driving vary, we’ve heard little since – till now.
In a Q&A session following Tesla’s This autumn 2021 monetary outcomes announcement, its founder, Elon Musk, supplied an overdue replace on the supposedly absolutely autonomous Mannequin 2, which might give would-be Toyota Corolla Hybrid consumers a factor or two to consider.
“We’re not at present engaged on the $25,000 automobile,” he stated. “Sooner or later, we are going to. However we’ve sufficient on our plate proper now – an excessive amount of on our plate, frankly.”
For sure, the Mannequin 2 is little greater than an thought for the time being, with Tesla at present giving its consideration to the Cybertruck full-size pick-up, Roadster sports activities automobile and Semi truck, all of which have been delayed a number of occasions, too.
Talking of which, Mr Musk revealed Tesla has no new mannequin launches deliberate for 2022, that means the Cybertruck, Roadster and Semi gained’t be launched till 2023 on the earliest.
That, in fact, means the Mannequin 2 won’t materialise till 2024, or the years that observe – if in any respect. And that’s for key markets like North America and Europe. Australia is mostly behind the queue, so an area debut might happen nearer to the top of this decade.
Within the meantime, the Model 3 mid-size sedan is probably the most reasonably priced Tesla mannequin Australians should purchase, with its entry-level variant priced from $59,900 plus on-road prices, though EV incentives can be found on a state-by-state foundation.