Will the sub-compact Tesla be made in China only?

[Reeler]

Tesla hasn't really delivered that cheap model for the masses. Markets like China, India and the third world would explode with a very small 4 seater econobox. If it were $20K or so with large range, Tesla would have an unstoppable lineup.

Making that in China would probably make that a possibility with profit. Keep the premium Model X, S and Roadster production in the US. Probably the Cybertruck here too since the market is domestic. But, start the sub-compact production in China and exclusively there. Maybe move the Model 3 and Y to China or Europe exclusively.

A $20K sub-compact would spread EVs across the earth and have a great impact. With government subsidies, even India and China would have no reason to sell gassers.

 

[Buckminster]

Huge market for this in Europe.

 

[Reeler]

Huge market for this in Europe.

Undeniably, but not as big as China with their subsidies for domestic EV cars. With China supply chain pricing, the cost savings will sell even more in Europe. India is starting to give EV subsidies and that market is also huge for a cheap econobox, but would require domestic production given the market protectionism there.

 

[Reeler]

Here is a good article on the Model 2 as the author coins a name for the Tesla sub-compact. He wants a cute-UTE sort of thing, but that is an American desire. I think something sized to compete with a Mini Cooper or Fiat 500e is a better option for the rest of the world.

Tesla Model 2, What The World Wants — Help Us Design It & Cut Costs! | CleanTechnica

 

[hitchhiker]

No reason to limit it to China... it would be in alignment with Tesla's mission of displacing gasoline cars to launch something affordable in the US in that market segment too. A huge segment of the US can't afford a $35k car, and will keep buying ICE cars until something comes out they can afford.

 

[Reeler]

No reason to limit it to China... it would be in alignment with Tesla's mission of displacing gasoline cars to launch something affordable in the US in that market segment too. A huge segment of the US can't afford a $35k car, and will keep buying ICE cars until something comes out they can afford.

We have several brands making cars for the US market in China, for example, Volvo and Cadillac. The Fremont factory is plenty busy. It is common for brands to make their econoboxes overseas where labor is cheaper.

 

[drcarric2650]

Cyber car, and just a little smaller than the model 3

 

[Saghost]

I'm not sure it's possible to build such a car at a profit, and I haven't seen any evidence that Tesla is considering building such a car anywhere, so the poll seems odd...

 

[Uncle Paul]

Lots of other 3rd world manufacturers will be making inexpensive EVs' for the marketplace.

Tesla makes higher quallity and better performing vehicles for the higher end marketplace.

Don't believe they will be making the lower cost mini vehicles for a while.

 

[brur]

From what I have read Tesla holds cache in the need to have category. It's considered a status symbol. Making a cheap little car would hurt the brand.

 

[JustMe]

I'm not sure it's possible to build such a car at a profit, and I haven't seen any evidence that Tesla is considering building such a car anywhere, so the poll seems odd...

Elon Musk did say Tesla was planning to make a car that was cheaper than the Model three in a couple of years, but that “it might not be necessary “ if robotaxis could provide inexpensive mobility.

 

[EV Promoter]

I think something sized to compete with a Mini Cooper or Fiat 500e is a better option for the rest of the world.

With that Model 2 Tesla is faced with the main difference between US and EU market.
In EU the big market is on the two segments C and B (all hatchback, we don't buy sedan in those classes) and the corresponding C-Suv and B-Suv.

What you call an "econobox" talking of hatchback size as VW Golf - Chevy Bolt - Toyota Corolla Hatch, corresponds in EU to a 28000-30000$ car, not even for too many people. In Eu the average price of Model 3 LR AWD no options is 65000$.

So, the VW ID3 size (Golf hatch) and price is necessary for a world car. Not at all Mini - Fiat 500e, two class less.
Lenght 168" - 4,2/4,3 mt ; Width 79" - 1,80 mt. Hatch.
But it could be of no big numbers for US.

Hence, the big question mark for Tesla, the Model 2 for US must be quite different from the Model 2 for the rest of the world.

 

[Reeler]

Nailed it . . . mic drop . . . .

You should change your vote on the poll.

 

[drcarric2650]

I would think if the market is of the size of less than 750,000, then build only one plant in China, if it is over 750,000 and there is a demand of at least 500,000 in the US, then build a plant here as well. As far as can we produce a $25K car in the US, well we do now, so why not? Prices of batteries are dropping, the number of chargers and charging speeds are increasing, in 5 years, a 40Kwh's battery will be practical and cost effective for a small car.

 

[diplomat33]

Tesla shares concept art of a made in China compact sedan:
Tesla China shares rendering of Compact EV smaller than Model 3 in job posting

 

[jkoya]

Tesla shares concept art of a made in China compact sedan:
Tesla China shares rendering of Compact EV smaller than Model 3 in job posting

Thank You for the link. I would buy it, if it's ever offered here in the states.....

 

[Reeler]

Looks like a two door hatchback, which would be a great EV. I don't need 4 doors on my commuter car. The wheels are a little large to be efficient. To sell this at a price of $20K for the low end built in China would be a game changer for the global car market.

All Teslas so far are large cars. They are very wide and heavy. This rendering is far more practical an econobox commuter.

 

[drcarric2650]

I think that Ellon isn't wanting to ship so many cars across the atlantic, I suspect if there is a big command in the US, that it would be built here as well.

 

[Reeler]

I bet China can build a better Tesla. Paint would definitely be better. With their labor rates, they can afford some quality control too.