Tesla has officially announced that its long-rumored and highly anticipated Model 2 will debut at the upcoming Tesla Shareholder Event in November 2025. Priced at an astonishing $15,990 for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) base version, the Model 2 marks a new milestone in Tesla’s strategy to make electric vehicles more accessible to a broader range of customers.

According to Tesla insiders, the Model 2 has been engineered from the ground up with affordability and scalability in mind. While it does not represent a radical design shift, the Model 2 incorporates many of the minimalist design principles seen in the Model Y. This decision was intentional, aiming to keep production costs low while maintaining a sleek and recognizable Tesla aesthetic.

Designed for Mass Adoption

The RWD base version will be the first to hit the market, with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant expected to follow at a slightly higher price point. Both versions will likely utilize Tesla’s latest lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, which offers enhanced cycle life, safety, and lower production costs compared to nickel-based alternatives.

Tesla’s move to simplify the design of the Model 2 is expected to accelerate production timelines. By reducing the number of components, the Model 2 will be easier and faster to build, which is crucial for Tesla to compete in the growing budget EV segment. According to manufacturing reports, key elements like interior instrumentation, software-based controls, and single-piece castings have been streamlined to support high-volume output.

Competitive Positioning

This announcement comes at a time when Tesla faces increasing pressure from Chinese EV makers such as BYD, NIO, and XPeng, many of whom already offer models in the sub-$20,000 price range. The Model 2’s entry into this segment could be a disruptive move, especially in markets like Europe and Asia where compact electric vehicles are in high demand.

While the Model 2 will not include every premium feature available in the higher-end Model 3 or Model Y, it is expected to retain Tesla’s core technology strengths, including Autopilot, over-the-air updates, and a high-efficiency powertrain. The car’s range, while not yet officially confirmed, is estimated to be around 250 to 300 miles per charge for the base model.

Leaked Customer List and Early Deliveries

In a surprising twist, a partial list of the first customers slated to receive the Model 2 has leaked online. Though Tesla has not verified the authenticity of the leak, it includes high-profile tech influencers, early investors, and select Tesla loyalty program members. Production is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026 at Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas, which will serve as the primary manufacturing hub for the Model 2.

Elon Musk has hinted in previous interviews that the Model 2 will play a key role in Tesla’s future, particularly as the company works toward producing 20 million EVs annually by 2030. “We need to make EVs that are not just better but cheaper,” Musk said during a recent podcast appearance. “The Model 2 is our answer to that.”

What Comes Next?

All eyes are now on the November Shareholder Event, where Tesla is expected to unveil the final design, full specifications, and performance metrics of the Model 2. The company may also announce regional rollout plans and provide updates on global expansion of its Supercharger network to support mass adoption.

In the fast-changing EV landscape, Tesla’s Model 2 could very well be the catalyst that pushes electric mobility into a new phase. With its aggressively low price point, familiar design language, and Tesla’s ecosystem of software and services, the Model 2 may not just be another vehicle launch—it could be a revolution.

Stay tuned for more updates following the Tesla Shareholder Event this November.