Some time ago, Elon Musk teased the launch of a new Tesla model that will cost about half the price of its current cheapest car. While there has been some back and forth on the details and the name, car enthusiasts worldwide were eagerly waiting for the official announcement of this groundbreaking new Tesla car. Now it seems that although we will still have to wait a while, the new hatchback will become a reality, and everything indicates that it will be a game changer in the EV market. The company's reputation for producing high-quality, innovative vehicles precedes it, and it's unlikely that it would compromise on that standard.

The new Tesla promises to be a cheaper option for those who have been waiting to make the switch to an electric vehicle but have been deterred by high prices or even because they did not trust the cheap EVs that already existed. In a world where sustainable, eco-friendly practices are becoming more mainstream, the new Tesla could be the answer to many drivers' dreams maybe yours. The possibility of an affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly car is an exciting prospect, and the world is waiting with bated breath for the official release of this new Tesla model.

Related: 10 Reasonable Expectations To Have When Buying A Tesla

10 The New Tesla Should Obviously Be Really Cheap

A front shot of 2023 Tesla's Lineup
Tesla

The price of the new Tesla model is a crucial factor in its success: in order to make a significant impact in the market for affordable electric cars, the new Tesla must be competitively priced. This move will help Tesla take a further step on the road to the definitive electrification of the car market, by making electric vehicles accessible to many more people. According to what is known so far, this new car should cost about half of what its current cheapest model, the Model 3, costs. If Tesla can deliver on this promise, it would open up a new market segment for the company in a market segment to which the brand had almost no access, except through used cars. Just as Tesla often pleasantly surprises us, it is also true that sometimes it promises too much, so you have to wait and see.

9 A Range To Match Expectations

Studio shot of a Tesla Model 3
Tesla

The range of the new Tesla hatchback is another critical characteristic that should not be overlooked, even though this is a car that will stand out for being inexpensive. Tesla's reputation for offering electric cars with an impressive range is well-established, and the new one should continue to uphold this mission. In this sense, the new Tesla model should raise the bar for affordable electric cars, rather than lowering Tesla's bar. If the new Tesla can offer a range that is on par with or better than other affordable EVs, it would set a new standard for what an inexpensive electric car can achieve and the competition between brands in this segment will face a new challenge that will have to be met by improving quality or lowering prices.

Related: 10 Most Common Problems With Used Tesla EVs

8 A (Relatively) Outstanding Performance

Side view of blue Tesla Model 3
Tesla

Make no mistake: it will be a car with limited capabilities compared to other Tesla models. But it is also true that for people who have always wanted a Tesla but have been unable to afford one, the new option may be the opportunity they have been waiting for. For that reason, the new Tesla doesn't necessarily need to have three electric motors like the Model S Plaid, for example, but it does need to guarantee acceleration and power that is above average for its segment. The challenge for Tesla will be to ensure that the new car meets the high expectations of its customers and lives up to the reputation that the company has built around its high-performance electric cars. It won't be easy to achieve, but no one wants a Tesla that takes more than ten seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH.

7 Quick Charge Capability

Tesla Supercharging Station
Tesla

If there is one thing that has characterized Tesla, it is that it has been responsible for making not only efficient cars but also top-notch charging systems. The charging capabilities of the new Tesla model must be in keeping with this tradition. The car must have access to Tesla's Supercharger network, which is one of the most extensive and reliable fast-charging networks available, and, additionally, the battery technology used should be in tune with the brand's latest developments in this regard. In other words, the battery should offer fast charging times, and it would be ideal if the charging capabilities did not differ much from what is currently offered in the second-cheapest model, the Model 3. On the other hand, this new hatchback will have to adequately withstand low temperatures and perform well in extreme environments in general.

Related: 15 Best Easter Eggs In Tesla Cars

6 Stylish Interior, No Less

Tesla Model S through the roof
Tesla

In many cases, Tesla models are not particularly luxurious on the inside, but are minimalist and super-technological. With that in mind, an inexpensive or at least more accessible model should not forgo some of the brand's style and design hallmarks. For many people, this may be their first electric car, and it will be essential for Tesla to create a stylish and comfortable interior that can compete with other affordable EV models in the market. A well-designed interior will not only provide a more enjoyable driving experience but will also help build loyalty, which is why the company of Elon Musk is likely to have taken this into account. The same applies to the case of the key design, an aspect to which Tesla has always paid a lot of attention.

5 Safety Shouldn't Be Compromised On

Three-quarter rear view Tesla Model 3
Tesla

When it comes to safety features, the new Tesla should prioritize stability and crash protection, taking into account that it will be primarily an urban car. One way to achieve this is by adopting the same suspension system as other Tesla models, which provides better handling and reduces the risk of rollovers. In addition, the car should come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, or blind-spot monitoring. It's worth noting that many Tesla models have already received top marks in NHTSA safety tests, such as the Model Y and Model 3 (which earned perfect ratings): lowering the quality at this point would be a serious problem and would install a sense of insecurity behind the wheel that Tesla will want to avoid.

Related: Everything We've Learned From Tesla's FSD Beta Safety Statistics

4 Cheap Doesn't Mean Technologically Obsolete

2023 Tesla Model S (screen)
Tesla

In addition to safety features, the new Tesla should offer cutting-edge infotainment technology to enhance the driving experience: you must have the feeling that you are driving a real Tesla and not just a cheap Tesla. The car should come with a large touchscreen display that provides access to various regular functions such as music streaming, navigation, and vehicle settings. Tesla should also incorporate advanced voice recognition technology, which is one of the things the industry is currently working on. Additionally, it will probably be able to obtain over-the-air updates, ensuring that you can enjoy the latest features and improvements as they become available, as is the case with most Tesla vehicles. If these things were not incorporated into the new model, it would probably be a disappointment to many people.

3 Everybody Wants Some Easter Eggs

2019 Tesla Model 3 Hatchback
David Kiss | Topspeed

One of the hallmarks of Tesla's infotainment systems is the inclusion of hidden features (Easter eggs), and the new Tesla car should be no exception. People buying this car will expect to find at least a few surprises, such as hidden games or references that add to the overall experience. As this is a newly designed model, some of these surprises may be exclusive, i.e. not present in other Tesla cars. A reference to a TV series or a classic movie, a set of lights for a party, or just some funny sounds that are activated with a code, are some examples of what to expect in this regard. Moreover, it's not just a bit of fun: it's one of the ways Tesla distinguishes itself from its competitors.

Related: 10 Alternatives To The Tesla Model 3

2 It Should Offer A Good Warranty

2022 Tesla Model S Plaid (chassis)
Tesla

Tesla has established itself as a leader in the electric vehicle market, in part because of its strong warranty offerings, and this is one of the key factors that you must consider when purchasing a new car. The new and affordable Tesla must have a warranty that matches or exceeds the industry standard, offering you peace of mind and protecting your investment. The company's warranties typically cover powertrain and battery components for an extended period, giving you confidence in your vehicle's longevity and overall efficiency. Additionally, Tesla has been known to offer exceptional customer service (although a bit expensive), with quick response times and a focus on resolving issues in a timely and satisfactory manner. In this respect, they will have to maintain that prestige for this new launch.

1 Generous (Or At Least Adequate) Cargo Room

Tesla Model X, cargo room
Tesla

People buying this car will need it to have at least a reasonable amount of cargo space, suitable for family use: grocery shopping or transporting children with toys or backpacks and bags shouldn’t be a problem. Tesla has generally been known to provide ample cargo space in its vehicles, even in the most luxurious models. The new model, being a hatchback, will need to provide sufficient cargo room to accommodate the needs of its target market, which is likely to include many middle-income families. At the same time, the car should not sacrifice too much passenger space for cargo room, striking a balance between functionality and comfort. The key to the issue will be in the balance that the brand achieves (or not) between space for people and space for things.