Farewell to hydrogen, America tests the fuel of the future: It’s toxic and extremely powerful Tesla CEO Elon Musk has recently commented on the possibility of a USD25K Tesla vehicle. Many of Tesla’s models are positioned as premium or luxury cars however they also do also have more entry-level models available. Tesla has recently faced pressure to add to their entry-level electric vehicle options. As the world continues to accelerate its alternative engine range, part of the challenge of letting go of the internal combustion engine is offering consumers vehicles which can match the price point of affordable internal combustion cars. Musk under-fire earlier in the year over USD25K comments Earlier this year, Musk made headlines for his controversial comments over the prospect of a USD25K vehicle. When reports emerged that Tesla no longer planned to produce a long-awaited entry-level USD25K electric vehicle, Tesla stock prices plummeted. However, Musk went onto social media channel X to set the record straight, implying that the reports were fake. However, Musk has recently corrected his stance by saying a human-driven USD25K vehicle would be “pointless” to produce unless it was an autonomous vehicle. Tesla offers two autonomous driving options: Autopilot and Full-Self Driving. Autopilot, the more basic level, can assist with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and automated steering, while Full Self-Driving takes it a step further by enabling more advanced capabilities, such as automatic lane changes, navigate on Autopilot (which allows the car to take highway exits and merge onto ramps), and recognition of traffic signals and stop signs. Musk responded to a reporter’s queries in October this year on the long awaited USD25K car, stating: “The bottom line is — I think having a USD 25K regular model is kind of pointless. It would be silly.” The current entry-level vehicle Tesla offers is the Model 3, priced at USD 42,490. Some consider the hold-off to be due to Tesla’s increased focus on autonomous vehicle solutions. “Cybercab” confirmed to be in the works The good news is, Tesla has confirmed that production of a two-door, two seat autonomous Cybercab priced at the wanted USD25K price-point is excepted to begin production 2026. While Tesla Cybercabs are not official models in Tesla’s product lineup, they reference the potential use of their current Cybertrucks being used as autonomous taxis. The Cybertruck is Tesla’s all-electric pickup truck. It is one of the most distinctive and futuristic vehicles on the market, featuring an angular, geometric design that contrasts sharply with traditional pickup trucks. The vehicle’s body is made from ultra-hard cold-rolled stainless steel. This material choice is intended to make the Cybertruck more resistant to dents, scratches, and rust, providing greater longevity compared to conventional truck bodies. A push for more affordable electric vehicles The pressure on Tesla to produce a more affordable vehicles comes with the difficulty of convincing consumers to adapt to new alternative engine solution vehicles due to financial difficulties. Electric vehicles, despite falling battery prices, still tend to carry a premium price tag, with many models starting at $30,000. Additionally, alternative fuel vehicles often require more specialized maintenance and parts, further driving up long-term ownership costs. While these technologies hold promise for a sustainable future, their current affordability gap means that they are primarily accessible to wealthier consumers, limiting their impact on the broader market and delaying their role in addressing climate change. Its not that consumers do not want to go green, but vehicle companies are making it a difficult task. While Tesla has made strides with models like the Model 3 and Model Y, which are relatively more affordable compared to its premium vehicles like the Model S and Model X, they still fall within the mid- to high-price range for many consumers. With starting prices for these models typically hovering around $30,000–$50,000, they remain out of reach for a large portion of the global population. © 2024 by ECOticias