A new version of the Tesla Model Y is making headlines, as people have spotted what looks like an affordable variant driving near Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas. This sighting comes just days after leaks surfaced online. These leaks reveal details about the features and a possible price for this budget-friendly crossover.
On Thursday evening, a white Model Y was seen on Texas State Highway 130. The car looked different from other Model Ys, it had no front light bar and a simpler front design. There was no covering to hide its new look.
Ryan Mable, who works as a turbomachinery engineer at Firefly Aerospace, said he took the photos himself. “Taken by me, just driving on 130 near Giga Texas,” he posted online.
Some users questioned the Florida license plates, but Mable said the car is real and the license plate doesn’t matter.
Details from leaked specifications
A Tesla enthusiast account, @TeslaNewswire, shared what it claimed were new specifications, allegedly pulled from Tesla’s website’s hidden source code. This version, called “Model Y Standard,” cuts back on some features to lower the cost.
According to leaked info, exterior design includes a new front look with single-piece headlights and a front camera, but no light bar. The wheels are new 18-inch “Aperture” types, said to help with aerodynamics. The roof is solid glass, not panoramic, and the inside uses basic materials. It has a manually adjusted steering wheel and vents in the back.
Technology in this car includes the main 15.4-inch touchscreen but no display for the back seat. Air is filtered with a standard particulate filter rather than the HEPA option. Cargo space is about 75 cubic feet, which is a bit less than the regular Model Y. The price, starting at $39,990, stands out. Tesla markets it as a practical, efficient car. “Load up your friends and family with seating up to five and bring all their gear in 75 cubic feet of cargo space. Second-row seats fold flat to store bikes, camping equipment and more,” reads the company description in the leak .
Community reaction to pricing and features
This new Model Y price point sparked online debate. Some fans think $39,990 is too high without any federal tax credits. Rivals like Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic often cost much less, sometimes below $30,000. A commenter said, “That looks exactly like a $25,000 Corolla/Civic competitor should look. Tesla would sell 10 million a year,” but warned that the price still needs to come down.
Tesla has not responded to these reports. Reports of the vehicle come as CEO Elon Musk has been talking about cheaper, more accessible EVs. Production at Giga Texas is speeding up. Demand for low-cost electric cars is high. Analysts think this new Model Y, if released soon, could help Tesla against other companies like BYD and Ford .
More of these cars may be seen around Texas. This could be a key moment for Tesla’s affordable car push .
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