It is reported that Tesla is developing a new compact SUV

Odaily News According to informed sources, Tesla is developing a brand-new, smaller, and cheaper electric SUV. The company has contacted suppliers in recent weeks to discuss the plan details for this compact SUV, which will be a new vehicle model, not a facelift of Tesla's existing Model 3 or Model Y. Sources said this compact SUV will be produced in China, while another source indicated Tesla also plans to expand production to the United States and Europe. The vehicle is 4.28 meters long (approximately 14 feet), significantly shorter than Tesla's best-selling Model Y SUV (approximately 15.7 feet). Previously, Musk decided to cancel the highly anticipated low-cost electric vehicle project in 2024 and shift the company's focus to robotaxis and humanoid robots. The latest attempt to develop a smaller SUV raises a key question: does it signal a strategic return to mass-market, human-driven electric vehicles, or will the new car align more closely with Tesla's vision for fully autonomous vehicles? According to sources and an employee, this model might serve both purposes. The employee declined to confirm or deny details of any specific model but stated that, in general, Tesla's current goal is to create vehicles that are driverless but offer a human-driving option. (Jin10)