In recent times Tesla is focused on cementing its international expansion thanks to the construction of huge factories in the main world markets. Gigafactory 3 in China which has been operational since December 2019, and Gigafactory 4 in Europe which will begin producing vehicles in late 2021.
Both plants will also have their design and development centers, thanks to which Tesla will be able to create vehicles more quickly adapted to the specific needs of each market. Elon Musk confirmed last year that the brand was already working on a new model designed according to “Chinese tastes” but that it would be sold globally.
Today Tesla has a complete offer in segment D (Model 3 and Model Y), as well as representatives in segments E (Model S) and F (Model X), to which niche vehicles such as the Cybertruck pick-up, the Roadster hypercar, and the Semi truck. Therefore, it seems clear that to increase its sales further, Tesla needs to expand to segment C.
At the time, Elon Musk confirmed that the company was considering the launch of a compact model for 2022, although he did not give more details about it. Now, some media speculate that the Tesla offer in the C segment may be divided into two models: an SUV developed in China, and a compact hatchback of European origin.
Given the excellent acceptance of SUVs in all markets, Tesla could sell the Chinese model globally. However, the compact would be a more specific proposal for the European market, where these bodies still enjoy enormous success. Although Tesla could also export it to China and the United States.
To make both cars competitive, Tesla may be forced to go one step further in the cost reduction exhibited by the Model Y. Thus, Tesla’s compact models may make use of reduced wiring to a minimum of a monocoque built from a single piece of aluminum (instead of several dozen pieces of steel welded together). As well as batteries equipped with self-developed cells, which will have a target price of less than $100 per kWh.