Recent reports indicate that Tesla’s Shanghai factory is working on a stripped-down, low-cost version of the new Model Y crossover, internally codenamed the Model Y “E80.” According to Chinese media and social posts, this variant would use a much smaller 50–55 kWh battery pack (versus roughly 75–82 kWh on current models) to cut costs. That lighter battery – along with extensive feature reductions – could let Tesla price the E80 around 150,000–210,000 yuan (about $20,500–$28,800) , a steep drop from the 263,500–313,500 yuan range of the fully equipped Model Y sold today in China. In other words, the E80 is targeting the lower end of China’s EV market with an “affordable” Model Y, bringing its price under 200,000 RMB while still riding on the popular Model Y platform.
Major Feature Reductions
To hit that price, the E80 would remove many premium features. Rumored changes include smaller wheel sizes and all side windows switching to a single layer of glass (instead of the usual double-pane safety glass) The panoramic glass roof would be replaced by a standard metal roof, and the front trunk (frunk) would operate manually rather than automatically. Inside, the cabin would be noticeably pared down: ambient lighting would be a single fixed color, seating would use plain fabric upholstery, and seat heating/ventilation would be eliminated. Tesla would also cut the audio system roughly in half, and remove the rear-seat touchscreen display entirely. In short, the E80 sounds like a purposely de-contented Model Y – one with basic mechanical features and minimal electronics – in order to save weight and manufacturing cost. (Tesla has done similar de-contenting before on cheaper trims of its US models.)
Pricing and Launch Timeline
Chinese reports suggest the E80 could reach customers as soon as late 2025 or sometime in 2026. One summary notes the timing may depend on how well the updated Model Y (refreshed for 2025) sells in China. In other words, Tesla may wait to see demand for the new “Juniper” Model Y before rolling out an entry‑level variant. If the E80 is launched next year or the year after, it would represent Tesla’s first all-new China‐market model since the facelifted Model Y (codenamed Juniper) debuted on Tesla’s Chinese site in early 2025. (Tesla refers to the refreshed Model Y as the Juniper update in China.)
Tesla itself has signaled it plans to diversify its lineup. In the Q1 2025 earnings call, Vehicle Engineering VP Lars Moravy said Tesla’s upcoming low-cost models will be built on existing production lines and share the same basic form as current vehicles. This E80 rumor fits that vision: it is essentially the familiar Model Y body with “basic” parts. It also ties into Elon Musk’s call for more affordable EVs – Benzinga notes that at the Q1 call Tesla reiterated plans for cheaper models in 2025. By using an existing platform and cutting features, Tesla could meet those goals faster than building a ground-up new car.
Tesla’s Lineup Diversification
If true, the E80 would further expand Tesla’s China lineup downward. Earlier in 2025, Tesla introduced the refreshed Model Y Juniper in China, which mainly updated styling and performance while keeping the same three- or seven-seat configuration. The E80 would be a separate budget trim aimed at buyers who want the Model Y shape and interior but only need basic functionality. In effect, it would let Tesla price one version of the Model Y well below 200,000 RMB – an important threshold in the Chinese market – and compete more directly with low-cost EVs from domestic brands.
This strategy mirrors moves in other markets. For example, in April 2025 Tesla launched a lower-cost trim of the Cybertruck – a Long Range RWD model about $10,000 cheaper than the AWD version. That Cybertruck LR RWD also got smaller wheels, simpler cloth seats, a stripped-down sound system (under half as many speakers), and no rear-seat display. The rumored E80 would implement essentially the same approach on a passenger SUV.
Tesla has not confirmed the E80, and details remain rumors. But if the reports hold true, the Model Y E80 could arrive as a China-only, entry-level Tesla built from the current Model Y architecture. It would fill out Tesla’s lineup below the Juniper Model Y and give Chinese buyers an officially affordable EV from Tesla. Observers will be watching official Chinese updates for any sign of an E80 launch, especially after Tesla’s own executives emphasized rolling out cheaper variants of existing models
