If the 2025 'more affordable car' turns out to be a lower spec version of model Y or something like that then what?

In particular, does it have to be a new model as opposed to a new version of an existing model?

I am inclined to suggest people have bet no based on there being no new model and to have it resolved yes based on a new type of Model Y (or 3) would seem wrong to me when the Redwood has been cancelled so that the only next generation platform vehicle is the robotaxi.


The latest speculation is that there is to be a cheaper "decontented" version of the model Y

https://x.com/TroyTeslike/status/1900300384796590258
The Chinese news site 36kr published a report today about Tesla’s plan to launch a stripped-down version of the Model Y in China. This seems to be the cheaper model Elon has been referring to, which means Tesla doesn’t have a new model to launch after all.

https://x.com/TroyTeslike/status/1900338816054940008
"1. The article looks credible
...
5. Elon’s comment at the last Annual Shareholder Meeting likely refers to the stripped-down Model Y because he seemed to anticipate that people wouldn’t like the idea, knowing it could cheapen the brand: "So obviously, we’ve got some new products that we’re working on under the covers, and I think these are going to be pretty special. Some of them, I think people maybe at first may think, 'Oh, it’s not going to be that amazing,' but just wait. It will be." "

(There was also
Vaibhav Taneja -- Chief Financial Officer
q4 2024 earnings call
"We are still on track to launch a more affordable model in the first half of 2025 and will continue to expand our lineup from there." )

Anyway just a cheaper "decontented" version of model Y rather than a whole new model seems credible to me because this seems to fit with cancelled redwood project, no prototypes noticed, and the only next generation platform vehicle being the robotaxi and other aspects Troy Teslike points out (as linked above).

I guess we will see whether this is true, but clarity on how you would resolve this question re interpreting what is meant by model 2. Does it include or exclude a different version of an existing model.

While the above Jan 2025 comments could well refer to a lower spec model Y, I think the Musk 'book and rumors' you refer to in your Oct 2024 comment and what was meant when the question was set up in 2023 were likely about a new model and/or the now cancelled Redwood project. I.e. a completely new model based on the next generation platform. However I could be misinterpreting what you meant by "model 2". If these recent suggestions are true then it is now likely that only next generation platform vehicle coming soon is Robotaxi.

While I suspect Robotaxi is likely not releasing in 2025, just in case, can you also clarify:
If the only new model based on the next generation platform is Robotaxi, can Robotaxi cause this question to resolve yes if it is released in 2025?

Clarifications appreciated.

what does release mean?

what does model 2 mean? (literal name or a car similar to model 2 rumors)

@JoshYou be able to be purchased seems required at least. As for naming id figure out if the thing released is the final version of the model 2 from the Musk book and those rumors.

@Ernie does purchase mean deliveries or orders?

@JoshYou pay full price with scheduled delivery that year and confirmed customer actual deliveries. For me "released" means that people who want to can and have paid and get it delivered

@JoshYou pay full price with scheduled delivery that year and confirmed customer actual deliveries. For me "released" means that people who want to can and have paid and get it delivered