Tesla's Entry-Level EV Will Look Like It Came From The Future

Rumors surrounding the new sub-$25,000 entry-level Tesla car have been around for quite some time. But thanks to an excerpt from Walter Isaacson's book Elon Musk, we are learning more about the discussions behind closed doors, including what the model could look like.

The excerpt - published by Axios - revealed that the affordable EV would come with a futuristic styling, even pointing at the Tesla Cybertruck as a reference. The Cybertruck is designed with a streamlined body, unlike the conventional truck look found in rivals such as the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T.

As such, we could expect a similar aerodynamic approach to the mystery vehicle, albeit in a smaller package.

During a design review session in February 2023, the car that had a Cybertruck futuristic feel was loved by Musk, according to Isaacson.

"When one of these comes around a corner," Musk said, "people will think they are seeing something from the future."

The entry-level EV is planned to be produced alongside the autonomous robotaxi concept. Musk is pushing for the development of the latter despite the opposition from Tesla executives, saying the program could face setbacks from government safety standards.

In response, Musk said, "This vehicle must be designed as a clean robotaxi. We're going to take that risk. It's my fault if it f--ks up." For a little context, the company CEO wants the robotaxi to be fully automated without a steering wheel and pedals.

At first, Musk wasn't sold on the $25,000 EV in favor of the robotaxi project, saying it would make the affordable car "unnecessary." But as the story developed, he now plans to build both models in Austin next to the company's ultra-automated assembly line.

Both projects will offer interesting propositions. In the case of the entry-level Tesla car, it would cater to the lack of attainable EVs in the market. This model should undercut the pre-facelift Tesla Model 3 that currently starts at $40,240 (excluding federal tax credit and estimated gas savings).