Overview

• Tesla posted two short videos on X pointing to Tuesday, with the second showing a headlight signature that matches leaked prototypes of a stripped-down Model Y.
• Reporting based on sightings and code leaks indicates cost-cutting changes such as no glass roof, simplified lighting, textile seats, fewer rear-cabin features, and cheaper trim materials.
• Tesla said in June it completed “first builds” of the lower-cost variant and planned U.S. sales in the fourth quarter with a slower-than-planned ramp, while final price and specs have not been disclosed.
• Reuters has reported the new version is designed to be about 20% cheaper to produce than the refreshed Model Y and could scale to roughly 250,000 U.S. units a year by 2026 if the ramp succeeds.
• Shares rose more than 4% Monday as influencers were seen at Giga Texas and an uncovered prototype surfaced near the factory, while alternative theories such as a Roadster update remain unconfirmed.