Tesla's 'Model 2' Is Expected to Be a Compact Version of the Model Y

April 6, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

Tesla's lower-priced vehicle is expected to be a smaller version of the Model Y

TopElectric/YouTube

Tesla is gearing up for a significant production expansion, focusing on their new low-priced models, with a planned annual production capacity of 4 million vehicles, according to Chinese media outlet 36 Krypton. The move is part of Tesla's broader goal of reaching annual sales of 20 million vehicles.

Industry insiders have revealed that this lower-priced model will be a compact version of the Model Y. Tesla is devising an ambitious production capacity plan, with the North American Gigafactory slated to produce 2 million vehicles, while the Berlin factory in Germany and the Lingang factory in Shanghai will each handle 1 million vehicles.

Budget Model Y to Drive Growth

The long-rumored low-priced Tesla model was first mentioned by CEO Elon Musk during the 2020 Battery Day. The model, sometimes referred to as "Model Q" or "Model 2," is expected to be a self-driving electric vehicle priced around $25,000. Tesla aims to halve production costs compared to the current Model 3 or Model Y, resulting in a more affordable starting price of approximately 150,000 yuan ($23,700).

Lower prices have proven effective in stimulating the market, as demonstrated by the significant sales increase following the Model 3 price drop earlier this year. A Tesla vehicle priced at 150,000 yuan could create another sales surge and help the company compete with major automakers like Volkswagen and Toyota.

Factories Worldwide Prepare for Production Boost

Tesla's plans have become more evident since this year's Investor Day, during which the company shared details about its Monterrey factory in Mexico. Covering an area of nearly 4,200 acres, the factory is significantly larger than the Texas and Shanghai facilities. In addition, the Berlin Gigafactory is seeking permission to double its annual production capacity from 500,000 to 1 million vehicles.

The Monterrey factory in Mexico will play a crucial role in realizing Tesla's ambitious production plan. The factory will implement a "Lego" manufacturing method to reduce production costs for the Model Y by 50%. However, sources suggest that mass production of this affordable model is still at least a year away.

Industry insiders believe that Tesla's efforts to lower the price of smart electric vehicles will not only allow the company to gain a larger market share but also contribute to the maturity of the industrial chain. This move is expected to bring significant changes to the smart electric vehicle industry as Tesla accelerates its plans surrounding low-priced models in pursuit of its 2030 sales goals.

Norway Approves Tesla’s FSD Testing on Public Roads; Potential for Europe-Wide Deployment

April 26, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

According to filings found by Kees Roelandschap on X, Tesla has obtained a 2-year exemption from UNECE autonomy regulations to run FSD Supervised on public roads in Norway. This marks one of the first positive developments for regulations and autonomy in Europe — great news for European customers.

Previously, European transportation agencies stressed additional caution and requested more time to legislate, further delaying the widespread UNECE regulation changes for autonomous vehicles.

Norwegian FSD - Employees Only

Following the recent approval from the Norwegian Road Authority, Tesla will be permitted to use its Supervised vehicles on public roads in a testing capacity. This exemption does not yet apply to customers, so we will have to wait and see how testing progresses.

Tesla will specifically be allowed to run FSD V13 and its derivative builds (meaning AI4 vehicles only) with automated steering and speed controls on EU-registered and approved vehicles.

Tesla will also be required to have Tesla-trained drivers (employees) conduct the testing. There is no specific policy in place that enables the use of FSD for customers at this time. However, as testing is conducted and bureaucratic hurdles are overcome across various transportation departments, Tesla may be able to extend the offer to European customers. According to Tesla’s latest earnings call, the company still plans to release FSD in Europe by the end of the year.

Tesla has already begun testing in the Netherlands, showing off FSD’s capabilities in Amsterdam.

FSD Supervised in Europe, pending regulatory approval pic.twitter.com/PYkcATjSUN
— Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) April 5, 2025

Article 39 Exemption

The UNECE can grant exemptions for innovative technologies that move faster than legislation under Article 39. However, Tesla requires the backing of a national ministry of transport to bring this to the UNECE’s attention. The next round of voting on critical issues is expected on May 12, 2025, which may not leave Tesla much time to present its findings to UNECE.

We don’t expect Tesla to receive authorization immediately. It may take several weeks or months of testing from the Netherlands or Norway teams before one of the two countries is willing to support Tesla’s exemption bid.

However, if Tesla achieves an Article 39 exemption, it could allow Tesla to roll out FSD to customers across Europe, provided there are no country-level exemptions.

Tesla Reintroduces FSD Transfers in North America

April 25, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Following customer requests, Tesla has once again returned FSD Transfers for North America. This comes after some new details we received on FSD Supervised and Unsupervised at the recent Q1 2025 Earnings Call.

Vox Populi, Vox Dei … FSD Transfer is back

All countries (in NA), all S3XY + @cybertruck (excl Foundation Series & Launch Series)
— Tesla North America (@tesla_na) April 25, 2025

FSD Transfers

This latest round of FSD transfers doesn’t have a specific time limit - so if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and were worried about transferring FSD from a HW3 vehicle - now is the best chance.

This transfer opportunity is applicable for any new vehicle purchases, including the Model S, 3, X, Y, as well as the Cybertruck. The only vehicles it doesn’t apply to are the Foundation-Series Cybertruck or a Launch-Series Model Y, which already come with FSD included.

If you’re conducting an FSD transfer, you’ll need to reach out to your Tesla delivery coordinator through the Tesla app to confirm you’re eligible and to get the process started.

Note that once you take delivery, FSD access is removed from your older vehicle, regardless if you plan to trade in your vehicle or keep it.

Canada and Mexico

For those in Canada and Mexico, there’s some good news. This opportunity is available for customers in those countries as well, however, new vehicle orders are currently paused in Canada and Mexico for unknown reasons.