Tesla has reportedly postponed the launch of a more affordable electric vehicle (EV) by several months, as reported by Reuters. The new model, said to be a simplified version of the Model Y, was originally scheduled to debut in the first half of this year. However, the launch may now be delayed until late 2025 or early 2026, according to the report.
Challenges Faced by Tesla
Tesla’s sales have been declining in various regions due to several factors, including an aging product lineup, CEO Elon Musk’s controversial political views and ties to the U.S. government, and the underperformance of the Cybertruck.
Development of Lower-Cost Models
Initially, Musk hinted at the possibility of producing a $25,000 Tesla during the company’s “Battery Day” event in 2020. Tesla had been working on a new platform that was expected to reduce production costs by 50%, intended for use in the new model commonly referred to as the “Model 2,” as well as in the company’s envisioned robotaxi.
However, Musk decided against building a vehicle on the new platform and instead shifted focus towards developing more affordable versions of the Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan.
