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    New Tesla Electric Car Testing To Start This Year – Could Be Named Model 2

    Tesla Model 2 render. Credit – JULIEN JODRY/TWITTER
    This compact electric car is likely to be positioned as an entry-level product from Tesla and will be based on the same platform as Model 3

    Tesla has reached a point in its business endeavours that it could very well project itself as a mass manufacturing mainstream automaker in the future. While its Model 3 sedan is currently the most popular electric car worldwide, its latest offering- Model Y, is set to overhaul the former to become even more popular.
    This could be further established by the company developing an affordable electric car worth $25,000 (equivalent to INR 18.22 lakh). Latest reports surfaced on the internet suggest that Tesla might soon commence testing trials for the upcoming compact car which has been labeled as a ‘Future Product’ in its Q4 FY 2020 Update Letter.
    Tesla Compact EV
    The company, however, has not yet officially confirmed the development of the said vehicle. As per a report published in a Chinese media outlet, Tesla is expected to begin road tests for this upcoming EV in the coming months, most probably in the latter half of this year in China. The report further mentions that this car could make an appearance at the Guangzhou Auto Show later this year.
    Specifications about this upcoming compact EV are still in the dark and are expected to be revealed in months to come. However, it has been revealed that it will be designed by locally hired talent in China. This would allow the EV giant to develop this model in a budget.
    2021 Tesla Model S
    In all likelihood, Tesla would target the working class as the primary consumer base for this product hence it requires to be cost-effective. The EV is expected to offer modest performance and a range of about 350-450 km on a single charge.
    Design-wise, this EV is likely to be positioned as a compact hatchback which is based on the platform as Model 3. This should provide the upcoming EV with ample space inside the cabin. Furthermore, reports mention that the car could be produced at Gigafactory in Shanghai although exact details as to the exact area where its assembly line will be set up are still unknown.
    Tesla In India
    This development comes in the backdrop of Tesla looking to expand its global footprints by setting foot in emerging markets like India. Last month, the company officially announced that it would enter the Indian market with its headquarter set up in Bangalore.
    While its manufacturing facility could be established in either of the two major ports of Kandla and Mundra in the state of Gujarat. The first product in India will be the Model 3 electric sedan which is expected to be followed by the launch of Model Y electric crossover. In 2020, Telsa manufactured and delivered about 5 lakh electric cars globally.
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    Tesla Model 3 buyer in India gets positive reply from Elon Musk

    For years, Indians have been dreaming over the idea of Tesla making its Indian debut – This is not the first time Elon Musk has hinted India launch is near
    Over the past few years there have been multiple incidences which indicated that Tesla was not finding the Indian market apt for a debut. There have been innumerable flip-flops to Tesla’s India plans. In August’19, Tesla’s Boss, Elon Musk had stated that Tesla didn’t find Indian taxation & administrative rules conducive for an entry into the market, at least not at that point of time.

    However, in latest turn of interesting events (technically in a latest Twitter conversation), Elon Musk has indicated that Tesla might be making its Indian debut, soon. It is to be noted that the ‘soon’ is open for interpretation.
    It all started when Tesla’s official Twitter handle posted an update on Q2’20 deliveries and vehicle production details on 3rd July’20. Mr. Arvind Gupta, a Delhi based Twitter user replied to the same tweet on 10th July by tagging Elon Musk and asking for an update for a Tesla which he had booked 4 years ago. Surprisingly, Elon Musk decided to revert to the query and tweeted ‘Sorry, should hopefully be soon!’.

    Screenshot from Twitter
    It isn’t the first time that Elon Musk has shared his intent to launch products in India. Earlier in March’19, he had confirmed that Tesla will start selling products in the Indian market by end of 2020. However considering the progress till date, it looks difficult if Mr. Musk will be able to meet his promise.
    It is to be noted that over the last 1 year, 3 respectable EVs have been launched in the country. These include the Hyundai Kona, MG ZS EV and the Tata Nexon EV. We have had EVs in the past too but those models had questionable range and seating capacity. However, the 3 models mentioned above have decent range and seating capacity to be considered as primary vehicles for commute.
    Sales of the 3 models have been decent. The Government & OEMs both have been doing their part to increase the EV Charging infrastructure as well. Multiple other electric vehicle launches are also planned in the near future. The recent developments clearly show that the Indian market has been warming up to EVs.

    Entry of Tesla will certainly be a big deal for the Indian market. However, success for the brand will still be majorly governed by pricing of its products because India continues to be a highly price sensitive market. The Covid-19 outbreak has further dented the overall economic growth, leading to lesser funds with individuals to splurge on discretionary expenses like a fancy means of transport to commute to work. More

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    Tesla models can now stop at all traffic signals automatically – Video

    Tesla stops at traffic signal Tesla, Inc., is the automotive brand that really set the benchmark for today’s electric mobility. The California-based automaker has introduced a host of advanced features and technologies to the modern-day automobile. Headed by technology entrepreneur Elon Musk, Tesla proved that electric cars could be aesthetically pleasing, fast and most importantly, […] More