Tesla Model 2 : Fact vs. Fiction

07 Aug 2025

Tesla Model 2 : Fact vs. Fiction

By EVWorld SI Editorial Team

Rumors about Tesla’s next-generation affordable EV - often called the "Model 2" - have exploded online. A recent YouTube video titled "2026 Tesla Model $15,900 Finally Use New Aluminum Ion Battery | Elon Musk Leaked!" claims an ultra-low price and breakthrough battery chemistry. Here's what's actually confirmed and what's speculation.

What’s Confirmed (Facts)

Model 2 concept exists – Elon Musk and Tesla have acknowledged work on a new, lower-cost EV platform, often called “next-gen” internally.
Target price ≈ $25,000 – Musk and company executives have referenced a goal to make an EV “around $25k” once production efficiencies are in place.
Expected production site – Likely to be built at Tesla’s new Gigafactory in Mexico, with some components sourced from existing plants.
Probable launch timing – Industry analysts forecast late 2025 to 2026 as a realistic earliest delivery window.
Likely battery chemistry – Advanced lithium-ion technologies, including Tesla’s 4680 cells and/or lithium iron phosphate (LFP) packs for lower-cost variants.

What’s Speculative or False (Fiction)

$15,900 price tag – No credible reporting or Tesla announcement supports this. Would require an unprecedented cost breakthrough not yet demonstrated.
Fall 2025 launch – Too soon given the build-out timeline of Giga Mexico and ramp-up requirements for new production lines.
Aluminum-ion battery – Tesla has not announced any commercial aluminum-ion chemistry. While research exists in labs, it is not production-ready for EVs at scale.
Official name “Model 2” – This is a fan nickname; Tesla may choose a different name entirely.
YouTube leak credibility – The cited video presents no verifiable evidence and appears based on speculative or recycled rumor content.

Context and Outlook

The affordable EV market is heating up worldwide, with Chinese automakers introducing sub-$20k models and legacy brands racing to compete. Tesla’s entry will aim for price parity with gasoline vehicles through production innovation, supply chain localization, and streamlined design — not unproven battery chemistries.

Expect the Model 2 to target global markets, including Europe, North America, and emerging EV regions, with a design likely optimized for efficiency, cost, and manufacturability.