Tesla’s New $30K Car vs. 3 Other Entry-Level EVs: Which Is Best?

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Tesla has long promised a more affordable electric vehicle, and it looks like the time is finally here. According to Car & Driver, Tesla will begin producing its lower-cost EV in June.

As is often the case with Tesla, specific details are hard to come by, but the company did say that the new model will “resemble in form and shape the cars that we currently make.” In other words, the new vehicle might simply be a stripped-down version of the company’s existing vehicles, with less luxurious features in exchange for the lower price. 

Here’s what industry experts are saying about what a potential low-cost Tesla EV might include, along with a look at how it might match up with some of its competitors.

Projected Entry-Level Tesla Specs

As the new Tesla has not yet begun production, there are no real-world specs available on it just yet. But industry experts and trade publications have projections as to what this car may offer, based on a combination of inside information and speculation.

Car & Driver envisions the entry-level vehicle as essentially being a stripped-down Model Y, which would help keep costs down. This is based in part on the comments of Tesla’s CFO himself, Vaibhav Taneja, who said that the new model would be produced using the company’s existing lines. As Taneja said, “Using our existing lines, there’s always limitations as to how many different form factors you can bring. So, that’s the way you should think about it.” 

That’s essentially a direct indication from the company’s own CFO that the new vehicle would be based in large part on existing models. 

The car reportedly has a target price of less than $30,000, which would make it much less expensive than any other vehicle in the Tesla lineup. However, as Car & Driver notes, this price might be including the EV tax credit.

Industry publications Inside EVs and Electrek have some insight as to the ways that Tesla can save money with the new entry-level model. Here are some concessions that may have to be made in order to keep the price point low:

• Cloth seats instead of traditional Tesla vegan leather
• No heated seats or steering wheel
• Single-color lighting system rather than multi-color
• No back-seat screen for passengers
• Acoustic glass may potentially only be on the front windows

While these are best-guesses, they are all ways to save money, so at least some of them are likely to come to fruition in the entry-level Tesla vehicle. 

Comparison With Competitors

Tesla isn’t the first or only EV maker with a vehicle in the $30,000 price range. As Tesla has some level of luxury cache, some buyers might not want to buy a “cut-rate” Tesla and may prefer other vehicles. Here are the top competitors, according to Car & Driver. 

Nissan Leaf

• Starting Price: $29,280

The Nissan Leaf is currently the only EV available for a starting price of under $30,000, and that’s likely to remain the case even if/when Tesla rolls out its new entry-level model. Although the range on the Leaf is limited, at about 149 miles, it’s praised for its roomy cabin and comfortable seats. 

Hyundai Kona Electric

• Starting Price: $34,425

The Kona is a bit of a step up in price but still falls well below the average cost for a new car. Range is better than the Leaf, at over 200 miles, and Car & Driver praises it for its large cargo capacity and comfortable ride quality.

Chevrolet Equinox EV

• Starting Price: $34,995

The Chevy Equinox EV offers a solid range of 319 miles, well above its other lower-priced competitors. Its interior was dubbed “modern and comfortable” by Car & Driver. Though it’s an American brand, most of the assembly for the Chevy Equinox EV takes place in Canada.

The Bottom Line

Although the excitement around a low-cost Tesla is palpable, the question buyers have to ask is whether or not the car will be worth it. Will all the magical things that make a Tesla a Tesla be stripped away to reach that price point? If so, there are plenty of other worthwhile competitors in the space to consider. 

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