Tesla confirmed: The affordable Tesla model is on schedule to go into production and will roll off the assembly lines as early as June 2025. With a hybrid production strategy on existing Model 3 and Model Y lines, Tesla aims to accelerate market introduction and reduce costs for buyers.
Updated timeline for the affordable Tesla model
Tesla CEO Elon Musk and management emphasized in the Q1 earnings call that:
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Production start will occur in June 2025.
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Market introduction will follow shortly thereafter, in Europe and North America later in the year.
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Ramp-up phase will proceed more slowly than originally planned due to global tariff and financial influences.
Hybrid production strategy utilizes existing lines
Instead of a completely new manufacturing setup, Tesla is opting for a pragmatic solution:
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Core platforms: Combination of next-gen elements and current Model 3/Model Y components.
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Production lines: Same halls and machines where Model 3 and Model Y are already manufactured.
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Advantage: Faster introduction with moderate investment costs.
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Disadvantage: Lower cost savings potential than with a completely new platform.
Design remains close to Model 3 and Model Y
The new affordable Tesla vehicle is visually oriented towards the established models:
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Form factor: Similarly compact as Model 3, but optimized for cost reduction.
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Features: Familiar Tesla interior, reduced feature set for a lower entry price.
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Safety & Quality: Tesla promises identical safety standards despite a more affordable price point.
No Unboxed Assembly for the Entry-Level Model
Contrary to the manufacturing method of the Cybercab and future next-gen vehicles, the new model is manufactured without Unboxed Assembly:
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Unboxed remains exclusive to Cybercab and the next-gen platform.
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Entry-level Tesla relies on proven series production to meet the schedule.
Outlook
First prototypes are expected to leave the production lines as early as June. Those opting for an affordable Tesla model benefit from short delivery times and lower costs – a crucial step to further expand Tesla's reach in the mass market.