A Tesla Hatchback May Be Coming
Tesla announced that they will be making new affordable vehicles recently during their Q1 2024 earnings call. There are multiple models coming and one of these models that some are speculating could be a hatchback vehicle like a Honda Fit.
I have a special affinity to the Honda Fit that is no longer being produced by Honda. It was my primary vehicle from 2009 to 2022. That's 13 years of driving. It was an incredible vehicle with great gas mileage and cost me $17,500 back in 2009.
A Honda Fit is great value for the money it gives. Mine was at about 120,000 miles before I passed it down to my daughter and got my Tesla Model 3 RWD. It had minimal issues, was light, not needing many tire changes, and got around 35 miles per gallon for me. I tended to drive conservatively, opting for the most range on it.
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— Jeremy Noel Johnson (@AGuyOnlineHere) April 23, 2024
A Tesla Model 3 like this could do very well. A Honda Fit is much smaller than a Model 3. It is very cost-effective. A 2016 Honda Fit with 41,000 miles goes for around $12,500 to $13.00 on Autotrader. Not bad value!
When you compare a Honda Fit and its dimensions with a Model 3, you see that a Model 3 is 26 inches or around 66 centimeters longer than a Honda Fit. Yet, I was able to fit into my Honda Fit just fine, and I am 6'4''. The Honda Fit is very easy to drive and maneuver around.
A Honda Fit weighs about 2,550 lbs. and a Model 3 RWD that I drive weighs 3,650 lbs. That's a substantial difference.
If Tesla makes a hatchback like a Honda Fit, I think it will weight more than a Honda Fit, but it will still way quite a bit less than a Model 3.
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Cost and Specs Of a New Tesla Hatchback
A new Tesla hatchback would be an interesting car, especially if it's easier to get into than a Model 3. If it was lighter and used LFP batteries, there's no reason it couldn't get 250 miles of range. If it got that much range and was still had plenty of room to get in for front and rear passengers, that would be compelling.
If this vehicle is made, I think it would cost around $28,000 to $30,000 from Tesla. Now, if Tesla can get it to that price, even without the tax credit, that is a compelling vehicle. I think Tesla should make their own LFP batteries here in the U.S. thought, because at that price point and getting a $7,500 tax credit, it becomes very affordable for most families at around $22,500 to $24,500.
For space in the back, this vehicle won't have trunk space like a Model Y or Model 3. It will have less trunk space than either of those vehicles and that is ok. This vehicle wouldn't be made to maximize trunk space, it would be to maximize interior space.
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— Jeremy Noel Johnson (@AGuyOnlineHere) April 23, 2024
Performance won't matter too much for this vehicle. It can go 0 to 60 mph in 6 or 7 seconds and that is fine. What is really important is the safety of the vehicle and if it can become autonomous or not.
I believe the vehicles Tesla announced will all be capable of autonomy with the same camera setup that all Tesla vehicles have today.
I think a Tesla hatchback would be a great idea, and it will use processes from the existing manufacturing lines, as well as the new unboxed process.
This is one vehicle Tesla should make. It could be considered a compact SUV!
For Further Reading: Tesla Releases The New Model 3 Performance - Ludicrous - And It's Fast - Really Fast - Faster Than A Porsche 911
What do you think about Tesla making a hatchback? is this a good idea?
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Hi! I'm Jeremy Noel Johnson, and I am a Tesla investor and supporter and own a 2022 Model 3 RWD EV and I don't have range anxiety :). I enjoy bringing you breaking Tesla news as well as anything about Tesla or other EV companies I can find, like Aptera. Other interests of mine are AI, Tesla Energy and the Tesla Bot! You can follow me on X.COM or LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow my Tesla and EV news coverage.
Image Credit/Reference: The Limiting Factor