Blog Report: Model 3 Inspired Compact Hatchback Planned for Europe

Tesla is planning a compact hatchback based on the Model 3 to be built and sold in Europe, according to a report from Autocar.

Details are thin, but it seems to line up with recent statements from Musk that Tesla needs a more affordable option.

“We will not succeed in our mission if we don’t make cars affordable.,” Musk said on Tesla’s most recent investors call. “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.” 

Musk added that “it would be reasonable to assume that we would make a compact vehicle of some kind.”

Autocar reported that the Model 3 hatchback will be built at Giga Berlin, which Tesla expects to be operational next year.

Smaller cars, such as a possible Model 3 hatchback, are more practical and preferred in markets like Europe and China. It certainly makes sense for Tesla to be aggressive in targeting those consumers.

Making Tesla’s vehicles more accessible to the masses is an exciting development, but there are still questions about the form of the this new compact and its powertrain.

What would you like to see in a Tesla compact?

 

[1stEVSm3mY]

A hatchback Model 3 was seriously wanted in the US as well. I'm guessing the hatch likely increased build costs and breaks up the glass roof - hence the small rear glass on the Y. There's always a tradeoff, but I would have loved a Model 3 hatchback... are you kidding? Just for sleeping better at night if need be. Please do, and export to US cuz we'll buy them too, I am certain. 240Z style, why not.

If that were available, I would consider trading in my model 3 which is perfect minus no hatch back and not lift gate. We have a Y and I love hatchback style but the Y is too big for me. I prefer a compact. My husband drives the Y mainly.

 

[JWardell]

As an 80s child, a futuristic delorean looking hatchback would be cool.

0:58 to 1:22 for cool dash and exterior. It's what I expected the future to look like as a child. Make it so.

*LOVE* that. Why do you think I'm slapping LEDs and guages all over my Model 3 dash?

 

[SJohn]

One big deciding factor in my MS purchase was the hatchback. I could either purchase a new model 3 or, for a similar cost I could purchase a used MS. I originally ordered M3 but when I discovered it didn't have a hatchback I went for the 2016 MS JUST FOR THE HATCHBACK. Hatchback requirements for a useful hatchback are that I can fit a 4 foot wide piece of plywood (at least diagonally) AND it be able to take a 10 foot long piece of whatever in order for me to close the hatchback.

 

[JimBob 909]

Yeah a cross between a model 3 and cyber truck would be cool. Tesla Cyber Hatchback or Tesla Cyber Car.

Would that be a Teslamino........

 

[jeremymc7]

Would that be a Teslamino........

More like a Tesla U (for Ute)

S3XY U

See it works !

 

[JimBob 909]

"What's a UTE" (my cousin Vinney) Classic movie line.

I am sure a dual motor Tesla would not have got stuck in the mud the way his car did.

 

[jeremymc7]

Ute is a vehicle that looks like a sedan in front but has a truck bed in back. Often with the cab sweeping back into the bed.

You don't seem that really anymore in America. Like a Chevy El Camino

el camino - Google Search


They're still quote popular in places like Australia and many smaller countries.

ute car - Google Search

 

[DanielRuss3]

A Tesla U (Ute) would be amazing ! I'm sure it would also sell well over here in Australia (where we have a lot of Ute Fans)

 

[jeremymc7]

A Tesla U (Ute) would be amazing ! I'm sure it would also sell well over here in Australia (where we have a lot of Ute Fans)

Have you ever seen this ?

She has a handful of other videos on the same “Ute” including a Tesla inspired commercial for it.

 

[DanielRuss3]

@jeremymc7 thanks man! What a great initiative - she should sell those around the world! I'd buy one haha
by the way I grew up in Texas, where in the US are you from?

 

[IchDochNicht]

One big deciding factor in my MS purchase was the hatchback. I could either purchase a new model 3 or, for a similar cost I could purchase a used MS. I originally ordered M3 but when I discovered it didn't have a hatchback I went for the 2016 MS JUST FOR THE HATCHBACK. Hatchback requirements for a useful hatchback are that I can fit a 4 foot wide piece of plywood (at least diagonally) AND it be able to take a 10 foot long piece of whatever in order for me to close the hatchback.

Same here. Love the size of the Model 3 but can't live with the trunk (and the lack of any instrument in front of me and the lack of a mechanical way to open the rear doors in case of power failure)...

 

[Brando]

... and the lack of a mechanical way to open the rear doors in case of power failure)...

I believe in the back bottom door pocket (look under the bottom cover) you will find release cord/cable. If you have time, tell us what you found. thanks.

 

[AdamMacDon]

I believe in the back bottom door pocket (look under the bottom cover) you will find release cord/cable. If you have time, tell us what you found. thanks.

There is indeed a release cable under the door pocket cover, however getting at it without tools, nevermind with the adrenaline going after an accident would be very difficult.

 

[jeremymc7]

There should always be at least one life hammer in a car. Glass is cheap and likely not the most expensive thing that would be broken already.

Specially one that glows in the dark, with a seat belt cutter and firmly mounted.

 

[katbc]

A Tesla U (Ute) would be amazing ! I'm sure it would also sell well over here in Australia (where we have a lot of Ute Fans)

I saw @jeremymc7 shared Truckla.. so cool huh?! I'm surprised there aren't a bunch of Truckla conversions in Aus! I'm originally from there.. and I'd consider moving back if I thought that they'd release the cyber truck there immediately

 

[jeremymc7]

No idea how much it cost her to make it. Obviously she’s a “popular” YouTuber so she gets paid for the content. Plus she had friends helping her; plus they have their own channels.

CyberTruck will be cheaper than a M4 Ute conversion unless you do it yourself.

 

[voyager]

Why compete in the highly contested hatchback market when you can cater to true Next-Gen electro-mobility?
Which takes in consideration that more than half of the world's population lives in and around cities where there is less space,
particularly in Europe and Asia.

Vehicle length is not per se the issue... Vehicle width IS.
Most hatchbacks tend to be not that significantly sleeker than sedans.

And since most people sit in their car alone most of the time, and ride-hail taxis have an average occupancy of 1.2 passenger,
a three-seater will suffice 99% of the time, particularly when sleekness will contribute to making the 3-seater operate autonomously.

Early-adopters, greenies, couples, singles, two-car households make for a target group much larger
than 1 out of every 900 prospective buyers, the ratio necessary to justify production.

 

[AdamMacDon]

Why compete in the highly contested hatchback market when you can cater to true Next-Gen electro-mobility?
Which takes in consideration that more than half of the world's population lives in and around cities where there is less space,
particularly in Europe and Asia.

Vehicle length is not per se the issue... Vehicle width IS.
Most hatchbacks tend to be not that significantly sleeker than sedans.

And since most people sit in their car alone most of the time, and ride-hail taxis have an average occupancy of 1.2 passenger,
a three-seater will suffice 99% of the time, particularly when sleekness will contribute to making the 3-seater operate autonomously.

Early-adopters, greenies, couples, singles, two-car households make for a target group much larger
than 1 out of every 900 prospective buyers, the ratio necessary to justify production.

My counter would be why not just use the technology already available? E-scooter, motorcycle, bicycle. Heck, in Holland you don't even have gears on most of the bikes, so this seems like overkill for city dwellers, no? I guess it keeps you dry in the rain, and warm in the winter, but with some big trade offs.

It might be different in Europe, but I'm reminded of the Smart car's demise in North America. I always wanted the EV version, but with the price of insurance, parking, etc (all the same as a full size car), it was economically senseless. Hence the Model 3, and my bicycle for getting around town when small size and easy parking is priority.

 

[voyager]

My counter would be why not just use the technology already available?

Yup, you are right that is easier for Tesla just to extrapolate and to chop off the rear of the Model 3 (sort of)
to get itself a hatched back, to round off its present model range with a smaller and cheaper EV.

Perhaps my suggestion should be continued in a separate, new thread...

 

[AdamMacDon]

Yup, you are right that is easier for Tesla just to extrapolate and to chop off the rear of the Model 3 (sort of)
to get itself a hatched back, to round off its present model range with a smaller and cheaper EV.

Perhaps my suggestion should be continued in a separate, new thread...

Yeah the core concept makes a lot of sense, but it is one of those chicken and the egg problems where infrastructure and regulations need to change to make the idea viable. I don't know how well Smart is doing in the EU, but in the NA market, they had to exit completely in 2019, which was a shame.