Chinese media claims that a scrapped Tesla Model Y E80 will have a 50 kWh battery and a metal roof, but that the price will also start below 135,000 kroner.
Unconfirmed information is currently circulating about a new, cheaper Tesla Model Y. The model has reportedly been given the internal code name E80. Rumors point to a possible starting price of as low as 198,000 kroner.
Chinese media outlets claim to have unearthed the price. However, it is important to emphasize that the information has not yet been officially confirmed by Tesla.
Therefore, the details should also be taken with one or more grains of salt.
The price of the E80 is a central point in the rumors. Some Chinese media mention a starting price of 135,000 kroner. Others point to approximately 170,000 Danish kroner.
The car is expected to be equipped with a 50 kWh battery, according to the same sources. That's a smaller battery pack than those found in the current Model Y versions.
The new E80 model will differ significantly from the current Model Y in several ways. It will reportedly have smaller wheels and thinner windows than the standard model.
Possible changes to the Tesla Model Y E80
Changes to the cabin are also mentioned. There may not be a touchscreen at the back seat in the cheaper car.
The system will also be very simple and inferior, if the rumors are true. The number of speakers may be halved in the E80 model.
The seats are expected to be upholstered in fabric. They will likely lack the ventilation features found in more expensive versions.
The tailgate will be manual, according to the information. This is a change from the electric tailgate that is standard on the Model Y today.
The roof may be made of metal instead of the characteristic glass roof. It will be a significant visual change and a cheaper solution.
Tesla's plans for cheaper electric cars
The rims are also expected to be made of metal, a more economical solution compared to the alloy wheels usually seen on Tesla cars.
Tesla's vice president Lars Moravy has previously spoken out about the manufacturer's plans. He confirmed that Tesla will focus on making cheaper versions of the Model Y and Model 3.
This is done instead of developing a completely new model for around 30,000 dollars, which in Danish kroner is around 200,000.
Moravy stressed, however, that the upcoming cheaper cars will resemble current models. The shape and general appearance will remain recognizable to customers.
"The models that will be released in the coming months will be built on our current production lines and will be similar in shape and appearance to the cars we currently build," Moravy said.
– The idea with the cars is that they will be affordable, and you will be able to afford to buy one.
It is still unclear when a possible Model Y E80 or other cheaper variants will be launched. Some Chinese media are speculating on an introduction as early as this year. Others believe it will not happen until 2026.
While we await official information from Tesla about a possible cheaper Model Y, you can dive into the competitors' hunt for Tesla's market share.
BYD, for example, announced last week that the Danish importer will launch what could be Denmark's cheapest electric car ever before. Read more about it here .
