It’s that time again: Elon Musk announces a new series. At a conference call with investors a few days ago, the Tesla boss let it be known that an entry-level model was being worked on. A new platform is to serve as the basis for a “next-generation” vehicle that will be smaller and significantly cheaper than the current entry-level Model 3 (from 49,990 euros).
The new model will be half as cheap to produce, Musk said, and it should outperform all other models combined. It remains to be seen whether the alleged savings will be passed on to customers, and the eccentric billionaire is still keeping quiet about the exact date of use.
Meanwhile, friends of the brand are waiting for the market launch of three other series that Musk has long announced. The roadster presented in 2017 should have been on the market as early as 2020; Tesla even claims that the vehicle will be able to “fly” using optional cold gas engines. The Semi heavy-duty truck, which was also presented in 2017, should have been delivered in 2019. And the flatbed truck called Cybertruck, which was shown in autumn 2019, should have been rolling off the assembly line since 2021.
Although none of these lines have gone into production yet, Tesla has collected hefty deposits for all of them. Observers assume that paid orders will soon also be accepted for the “entry-level model” that has now been announced. (aum/jm)