A YouTuber recently flew a drone over Tesla‘s Fremont test track, capturing footage of what appears to be a prototype for Tesla’s long-awaited affordable electric vehicle (EV). Shared by the account “Met God in Wilderness,” the video has sparked excitement among EV enthusiasts, offering a glimpse of a compact Tesla model potentially set to redefine the affordable EV market.

A Closer Look at Tesla’s Compact Prototype

The drone footage, credited to Met God in Wilderness, reveals a black-and-white vehicle resembling an elongated Volkswagen Beetle. The prototype, spotted on a test track adjacent to Tesla’s Fremont, Californië factory, was seen starting and stopping alongside a disguised Cybertruck. Teslarati, a reliable source for Tesla updates, suggests this could be a prototype for Tesla’s affordable model, noting, “We could be seeing the new low cost model,” as stated in the video’s caption. The compact design aligns with Tesla’s goal of producing a smaller, budget-friendly EV to complement its existing lineup, including the Model 3 en Model Y.

Drone Captures Tesla’s Affordable Ev Prototype Testing At Fremont Track

Tesla’s Push for Affordable EVs

Tesla has been vocal about its plans to introduce a more affordable EV. In its first-quarter earnings report for 2025, the company confirmed it was retooling production lines to accommodate the new model, despite some production delays. As reported by Teslarati, Tesla’s CFO Vaibhav Taneja stated during an investor call, “Production of the cheaper model – which may utilize certain aspects of Model 3 and Model Y – is planned for June.”

This timeline aligns with the sighting of the prototype on June 1, 2025, suggesting Tesla is on track with its development goals. The company also prepared its factories for new model launches later in 2025, emphasizing the need for affordable options amid economic uncertainty and changing trade policies.

Implications for the EV Industry

The introduction of a compact Tesla EV could significantly impact the industry, especially as Tesla aims to deliver a vehicle priced around $25,000, a target CEO Elon Musk has promised for years. A more accessible price point would broaden Tesla’s customer base, making electric vehicles a viable option for a larger segment of the population.

The compact design, potentially a new Model Y variant, could offer a smaller footprint—ideal for urban environments—while maintaining Tesla’s signature performance. For comparison, the current Model Y has a length of about 187 inches, and this prototype appears slightly smaller, possibly around 170 inches, based on visual estimates from the footage.

From an operational standpoint, the use of a test track near the Fremont factory indicates Tesla is in the advanced stages of testing, likely focusing on handling, battery efficiency, and software integration. Economically, a $25,000 EV could pressure competitors to lower their prices, accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in the U.S., where the average new car price hovers around $48,000 as of early 2025.

What’s Next for Tesla and EV Enthusiasts

While the drone footage provides an exciting preview, specific details about the prototype—such as battery range, charging capabilities, or exact dimensions—remain undisclosed. The video, shared by Teslarati on X, has fueled speculation, but Tesla has not yet confirmed the model’s specifications or production timeline beyond the June target.

For EV enthusiasts, this sighting is a promising sign that Tesla’s affordable model is nearing reality, potentially transforming the market with a budget-friendly, compact electric vehicle. As development progresses, more details are expected to emerge, offering a clearer picture of Tesla’s next big step in sustainable transportation.