A Cheaper Tesla Model 3 Hatchback is Reportedly Coming Next Year

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

Now that Tesla has a major foothold on the electric vehicle market around the world, the next goal for the automaker is to come out with an affordable set of electric vehicles. The Tesla Model 3 was supposed to be the affordable electric car for the masses, but that never really panned out.


What Happened With The Model 3


While Tesla swore up and down that the $35,000 Model 3 would be available, it wasn't on sale when the EV initially was introduced. Then, when it did go on sale, Tesla didn't advertise it on the automaker's website, forcing consumers to jump through hoops and hurdles to get one at the price. Look at the Model 3 lineup now, and you'll see that the cheapest model available online is $39,190 (including destination). Clearly, that's not $35,000.


Whether the $35,000 Model 3 exists or not is a mystery like solving whether Sasquatch exists. Tesla, though, is apparently very serious about introducing an electric vehicle that's actually affordable. According to a report by Autocar, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wants to dominate traditional automakers with an affordable compact hatchback.


During a recently conference call with investors and analysts, Autocar claims that Musk really hit home on just how necessary an affordable electric car is to the brand. The CEO stressed that "we will not succeed in our mission if we don't make cars affordable," also adding that "the thing that bugs me the most about where we are right now is that our cars aren't affordable enough. We need to fix that."

Affordability Will Be A Priority

Musk, not one to mince words, didn't provide any official details on a future EV from the brand, but stated that "it would be reasonable to assume that we would make a compact vehicle of some kind and probably a higher-capacity vehicle of some kind."


While the affordable electric vehicle is still some way off in the distance, Autocar believes the vehicle will be a direct competitor to the Volkswagen I.D. 3 and be made with Europe in mind. The outlet also believes the vehicle will be based on the current Model 3, but feature an updated design.


Tesla's upcoming Gigafactory in Berlin could be the location where the automaker builds the upcoming vehicle, which would make sense based on the electric vehicle's European focus. The automaker is currently working on building the plant and is on track to finish construction by the middle of 2021.


If the report is true, Tesla has its work cut out for itself with new vehicles in the future. The automaker is set to introduce the Roadster, Cybertruck, and Semi in the next few years. It's also busy working on a new Gigafactory in Austin, Texas where it will build the Cybertruck

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods