Tesla’s E41: Feature-Light Model Y on Horizon

Tesla is getting ready to launch an affordable Model Y, called E41, in late 2025. A well-known Tesla hacker @greentheonly exposed this info about this new Model by digging through recent firmware updates.

The E41 drops some standout Tesla features. There’s no glass roof—it’s replaced by a metal panel. The unique front and rear light bars are missing. This model uses smaller 18-inch wheels and has a front look that’s specific to E41. These changes lower the cost and make the car easier to build.

Interior cutbacks

The headliner will be simple fiberglass. No vegan leather, just textile seats. Seat controls move one way instead of many. The cabin lighting drops to footwell lights only, no extra glow. There’s no second-row passenger display and no heated or cooled seats. Power-folding mirrors and puddle lights are gone. The backup camera loses its heater. Air vents for the second row are more basic.

Technology and features removed

Many features are cut. The audio system comes basic, “essential” or “essential with commodity” setups only, each with fewer speakers. Early leaks suggest that a tire pressure monitor isn’t included, but Tesla may add it for markets that require it by law. There’s no power for mirrors or trunk. Still, E41 keeps important Tesla tech: the touchscreen, Autopilot, and Superchargers. It will come in both rear-wheel and all-wheel versions.

Production and launch plans

Tesla started making E41 in the first half of 2025. The sales launch gets pushed to the end of the year. The company is delaying E41 so it can move current inventory before the U.S. federal tax credit for EVs runs out. The new model is expected to use existing lines at Tesla factories. According to reports, Tesla is planning to make about 250,000 units for the first run, starting with the U.S.

International rollout and pricing

E41 is expected to come to China in 2026. Price will likely be 150,000–170,000 RMB ($20,500–$23,300), a lot less than the current base Model Y there. Europe may follow, but nothing is set yet. According to industry reports, prices could start below £40,000 (or under A$50,000) in Australia and the UK, which puts E41 in competition with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and the VW ID.4.

Tesla is doing this because pressure is rising, especially in China, where market share slipped from 11.7% to 10.4% in the battery-only EV sector. The E41 lets more people buy a Tesla and use its Superchargers, even if they’re giving up some comfort and features. Experts say E41 could set the trend for automakers that want lower-priced EVs by cutting extras, but sticking with proven tech and existing factories.