New Tesla small car teased in China

A potential new small Tesla model has been revealed on the China-only Wechat social-media network

New small Tesla

Tesla has announced plans to build a new design studio and R&D centre in China, which could result in a Chinese-designed and built hatchback-like Tesla model being sold globally.

A potential design for the car was revealed in a sketch posted to China’s WeChat instant-messaging and social-media network, showing something smaller than the company's current Model 3, Model S and Model X offerings.

The post suggested Tesla’s Gigafactory 3 in Shanghai, China, would be up and running in 10 months' time, using the words: “Let us usher in the long-awaited ‘Made in China’ Tesla”.

The teaser image came as part of a call for applicants to work at the new facility in China. In the announcement, Tesla said it wanted to incorporate “the most beautiful Chinese art" into its future models.

It’s not clear what segment the sleek new pure-electric model might sit in, nor which cars it might compete with, but the design sketch hints at the firm’s smallest model yet. It follows Tesla CEO Elon Musk telling shareholders 18 months ago that: “I think we’ll do a compact car in less than five years.”

The design sketch shows a familiar Tesla face and blanked-out grille, as well as sharp surfacing and a sloping roofline. There are no handles or shut lines, so it’s not clear whether this would be a two-door model in the spirit of a Smart EQ ForTwo, or a larger, five-door car like the Renault Zoe. There's a chance it could be bigger still, designed to take on cars like the new Volkswagen ID.3, due later this year.

What's clear, however, is that despite this being a car designed (and possibly built) in China, it'll be a global car that should eventually be sold in Europe and the US. Roughly translated, the WeChat post said: “In the end, it will be interpreted as an original Chinese Tesla, and go global.”

This confirms a recent statement by Musk to customers at the launch of the Tesla Model Y SUV, in which he suggested that the new R&D centre would look to design an original car in China for worldwide consumption, saying: “I think it should be done, and we’re gonna do it.”

Other new Tesla models on the way include the Cybertruck pickup, Roadster high-end sports car and Semi heavy goods vehicle.

Recommended

Tesla Supercharger network: complete guide to Tesla charging stations
Tesla Superchargers
Your questions answered

Tesla Supercharger network: complete guide to Tesla charging stations

4 Sep 2023
New V4 Tesla Supercharger unveiled for all EVs with contactless payment option
V4 Supercharger
News

New V4 Tesla Supercharger unveiled for all EVs with contactless payment option

25 Aug 2023
​Affordable Tesla ‘Model 2’ electric hatchback shown again
Tesla Model 2 teaser
News

​Affordable Tesla ‘Model 2’ electric hatchback shown again

17 May 2023
Tesla slashes Model 3 and Model Y prices by up to £8k
Tesla Model Y
News

Tesla slashes Model 3 and Model Y prices by up to £8k

13 Jan 2023

Most Popular

MG Cyberster review
MG Cyberster - header
In-depth reviews

MG Cyberster review

The MG Cyberster is a fantastic halo model for the brand, with stunning looks and performance
29 Sep 2023
BMW i4 facelift to topple Tesla with huge range and tech upgrades
BMW i4 facelift spies - front
News

BMW i4 facelift to topple Tesla with huge range and tech upgrades

An updated version of the BMW i4 has been spotted testing, likely sporting a longer range and the latest technology
27 Sep 2023
Electric BMW iX2 is set to take the kidney grille to the next level
BMW iX2 - teaser front
News

Electric BMW iX2 is set to take the kidney grille to the next level

BMW has teased the highly-rumoured iX2 coupe-SUV, which has been revealed to get enlarged illuminated kidney grilles
29 Sep 2023