A Budget EV Revolution
Elon Musk has reignited excitement with Tesla’s 2025 Model 2, codenamed “Redwood,” slated for production in mid-2025 at Giga Texas. Announced during Tesla’s Q1 2024 earnings call, this compact crossover aims to be the company’s most affordable electric vehicle (EV) yet, with Musk targeting a price around $25,000-$30,000. While X posts claim prices as low as $11,975, experts like Reuters estimate $25,000-$35,000 due to battery costs and tariffs. This EV could challenge the $23,950 Honda Civic and budget EVs like the Chevy Bolt, potentially reshaping the U.S. market.
Sleek Design & Smart Features
The Model 2 is expected to sport a compact, Model Y-inspired design with sleek LED headlights, a minimalist grille, and 18-inch wheels. Built on Tesla’s next-gen platform with LFP batteries, it may offer 150-200 bhp and a 250-300 mile range. Features include a 15-inch touchscreen, Autopilot (with Full Self-Driving optional), and vegan leather interiors. Its “unboxed” manufacturing process could cut costs by 50%, enabling high-volume production. X users speculate a Cybercab-like aesthetic, but it’s likely a stripped-down Model 3/Y variant.
- Compact crossover with LED lighting
- 15-inch touchscreen with Tesla UI
- Autopilot standard, FSD optional
- 250-300 mile range with LFP batteries
- Supercharger-compatible (125-150 kW)
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery | 53-60 kWh LFP (est.) |
| Range | 250-300 miles (est.) |
| Power | 150-200 bhp (single motor) |
| Price | $25,000-$35,000 (est.) |
| Release Date | Mid-2025 (production start) |
Why It’s a Game-Changer
Musk’s vision for a $25,000 EV, first teased in 2020, aims to make Tesla accessible to the masses, with a $7,500 U.S. tax credit potentially lowering costs to $20,000. However, Reuters reports Musk scrapped a dedicated Model 2 for cheaper Model 3/Y variants, focusing on the $30,000 Cybercab robotaxi. Production delays to late 2025 or 2026 are possible, as Musk noted challenges with new manufacturing tech. X buzz hails it as a “market resetter,” but skepticism persists due to Tesla’s history of late deliveries.
Launch & Availability
Production is set for June 2025 at Giga Texas, with deliveries possibly by late 2025, though Reuters suggests delays to 2026. A reveal may occur at Tesla’s Q2 2025 event. Bookings are expected via tesla.com. With 10,000 weekly units planned, the Model 2 could boost Tesla’s 336,681 Q1 2025 deliveries, despite a 13% sales dip. Check tesla.com for updates. Is this the EV to change everything?
