Why Tesla Model 2 is worth the wait

Tesla is on the brink of revealing a new compact model. Here’s why you might want to wait to see it through.

Tesla shocked the world with the reveal of the game-changing Model S, and again with the more entry-level Model 3. The problem is, for a large chunk of drivers, the Model 3 is still out of reach, and when you start adding options, the price hikes significantly. Another hot take, the Model 3 is too far developed to be an economy car in urban environments. More often, drivers who need transportation within city limits aren’t looking for more than about 50 miles of range. The Model 3 offers over 300 miles of range, a dual motor powertrain, and a performance edge competing with the likes of BMW M. Those aren’t the necessary ingredients needed for an ultra economy-focused vehicle.

While the Tesla Model 3 is not a big car, it isn’t compact by any means. This leaves room for Tesla to bring a true compact to the streets at a price that is truly attainable. This is where the Model 2 comes into play. Tesla has an opportunity with the Model 2 to dial back the ballistic acceleration, and focus on a reliable, ultra energy efficient, and space efficient commuter to get people around with enough features, and security they would need to comfortably zip around urban environments. Tesla owners appreciate clever solutions and gimmicks that are a result of advancing the tech within vehicles. Until now, the smallest and most basic economy vehicles have been poorly-equipped boxes that serve their drivers little more than moving from A to B. The Model 2 will undoubtedly offer a level of interactivity not typically seen in the smaller, more affordable segments.

Information on future Tesla products is not official, and information has remained scarce. Information on current trends and available information has been provided by Tesla, Kelly Blue Book, Motor Trend, Car And Driver, and Cars.com.

A Low Entry Price To The EV Market

The Model 3 is definitely aggressively priced for the amount of performance you get. Albeit a bit minimal for some, the Model 3 represents an automobile that is still an all-encompassing transportation solution. While it could be used as a dedicated city car, the size and price of it can be just a bit too high for the average city dweller. There are currently a multitude of compact SUVs, and eco-conscious cars, some electric, but most are still ICE-powered.

Until now, a truly affordable EV platform just hasn’t been developed with fast charging in mind. Downsizing and keeping things simple, as Tesla tends to do anyway, is the logical next step in opening up the EV market to a vast amount of densely populated areas. The 10 least expensive vehicles on the market right now all have starting prices under $25,000 with some as low as $17,000. If the Model 2 can start at or slightly below that $25,000 threshold, then there would be a massive amount of drivers who could be convinced to go all-electric, especially with super quick public charge times.

A Clean-Sheet Tesla Design

It’s not every day Tesla decides to make a brand-new design and put it into production. In fact, this new model will be highly anticipated considering the entire Tesla lineup is no less than six years old, with the Model S’s bones originating from 2012. It’s absolutely time for new models and new clean-sheet designs to hit the market. Model 3 has received a significant refresh for the 2024 model year, however, it’s still mostly the same underneath. This doesn’t exactly fit in with a tech lover’s idea of the newest best products emerging every year as we see with mobile devices.

The Model 2 represents an opportunity to add dimensions to Tesla’s design. The company has used the release of new models in the past to set new standards. Even when they thought the world wasn’t ready for cars without a traditional “grille”, the Model X and Model 3 changed that stereotype, and now the original Model S with the nose cone looks a bit odd in comparison. Ultra-compact cars require special packaging, and with an EV platform, it will be interesting to see how Tesla rises to the challenge considering most EVs take advantage of long wheelbases to make room for battery packs on the floor.

Teslas Have Become More Reliable

A compact/more affordable option from Tesla would mean drivers would rely on the vehicle more than those who may see Teslas as secondary cars/toys. Thankfully reliability and fit and finish have improved within the brand over the years. The timing is right to introduce a compact that would be reliable transportation even in large-scale cities. Drivers would rack up hours, not necessarily miles in such a vehicle. This would mean longer uptime, perhaps in traffic, with owners not wanting to worry about maintenance or quality issues. As manufacturing processes become more sophisticated within Tesla, and as they continue to experiment with construction materials, we may see a more streamlined lineup of models. That could start with Model 2, where a simplistic design both aesthetically and mechanically leads to a more robust vehicle that can withstand abusive environments.

Tesla Proved That People Like Minimal

Tesla is running with a minimal design theme, and owners seem to really buy into it. The Model S debuted as a tech frenzy EV with many of its design cues and infotainment surrounded around intricacies. Model 2 could set a new standard for styling cues or solutions to transportation problems not previously solved. Additionally, Tesla has a massive cult following, but many fans can’t yet afford their sophisticated products. A more affordable Model 2 could play further into the minimal look and feel, an element of Teslas of late that is trending massively. So much so, that other automakers have followed suit, simplifying interiors.

The trend has had an effect on how drivers interact with their vehicles and view transportation as a whole. Vehicles are now being product-designed, more like an appliance rather than having a transportation-specific design in mind. This, ultimately, might very well trigger a massive shift in how drivers will want to interact with the transportation model as a whole. Many might not want to own vehicles at all. Either way, a minimal-budget Tesla is sure to have a slick design, and some sort of trick up its sleeve that plays into the demographic it targets.

Tesla’s Charging Network Is The Best In The Business And Is Only Getting Better

With charging networks only growing and Teslas being the best there is currently available, the transition into compact electric vehicles will become more seamless. Tesla Supercharger stations are very prevalent in urban environments, the key areas where the Model 2 will most likely inhabit. Supercharging, or fast charging as it is known elsewhere is limited somewhat as a larger battery pack can only be charged at certain rates under certain conditions. A smaller vehicle would logically need a smaller battery pack, hopefully one that is more efficient leading to a supercharging situation where the car would take far less time to fully charge.

Currently, the quickest a Model 3 or Model Y can supercharge is at a rate of 175 miles of range within 15 minutes. If a Model 2 with a smaller battery pack, but with better efficiency was developed, we could see around 200 miles or more in the same time or less. This should be more than enough range to realistically travel around a single city per day.