Fresh rumors about Tesla's long-anticipated affordable vehicle, internally dubbed the Model Q, have surfaced following supply chain filings that suggest production tooling is being installed at the company's Austin, Texas gigafactory. The vehicle is expected to carry a base price under $30,000 and compete directly with the Chevrolet Equinox EV and the upcoming Volkswagen ID.2.
Industry insiders say the Model Q will use a simplified version of Tesla's next-generation platform with a lithium iron phosphate battery pack sourced from CATL's new Nevada facility. Range estimates hover around 250 miles, which Tesla reportedly considers sufficient for the vehicle's target demographic of urban commuters and first-time EV buyers.
Tesla has not officially confirmed the Model Q's existence, though CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly referenced a more affordable vehicle in earnings calls. Analysts at Morgan Stanley estimate the Model Q could add 500,000 units to Tesla's annual production volume if priced competitively, significantly expanding the company's addressable market.
