Tesla's Mystery Prototype Spotted in California—Is This the Game-Changing $25K EV?

A camouflaged Tesla Model 3 prototype, potentially signaling Tesla’s rumored $25,000 electric vehicle, was spotted in California. The sighting has reignited speculation about Tesla’s push to dominate the affordable EV market.

Tesla Prototype Spotted in California Could Be Budget EV

Someone in California noticed a new, intriguing-looking Tesla Model 3 prototype being tested on the streets. Could that be one of Tesla's planned low-cost electric vehicles?

Camouflaged Tesla Spotted Near Daly City

Near Daly City in the Bay Area of California, Reddit user Jacknv saw the car on the 280 South.

According to Jack, the hidden Model 3 prototype shares certain design cues with last year's Model 3 refresh from Tesla, but its front end is more reminiscent of the model from before the refresh:

Design Changes Hint at Budget Model

The sighting doesn't provide a lot of information because, in part, it's camouflaged. While Tesla has long avoided utilizing this style of camouflage, it has been spotted using it more recently. The design is more typical of automobile prototypes.

Considering the recent refresh of the Model 3, it is highly doubtful that there is already another refresh in the works, according to Electrek. But they are also aware that Tesla is planning to update the Model Y soon. It's conceivable that Tesla chose to update the Model 3 with some features originally planned for the Model Y.

Tesla’s EV Update Strategy Under Scrutiny

However, according to the publication, there is another theory that may be more reasonable.

Elon Musk scrapped two major vehicle projects that were to have used Tesla's new unboxed vehicle platform to create more affordable electric vehicles. Robotaxis were supposed to be the center of attention, and rumor has it that two new models based on Model 3 and Model Y will be replacing the vehicles.

Affordable Electric Vehicles on the Horizon?

These cars are expected to be more affordable compared to the Model 3 and Model Y. They will incorporate some of the technology developed for the next-generation platform while remaining similar enough to the current lineup to be manufactured using Tesla's current assembly lines.

Hence, it's plausible that what we're witnessing is actually a disguised version of one of those vehicles.