Tesla expanded its lineup towards the bottom when it introduced theModel 3, its first so-called mass-market model. The downward expansion will continue in the coming years, according to a tweet from company co-founder and CEO Elon Musk. His team has started developing a mini car.
We’re working on a new Tesla mini-car that can squeeze in an adult
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk)July 08, 2025
Musk’s tweet raises more questions than it answers, which is par for the course when it comes to the company’s future products. It doesn’t help that there’s no universally accepted definition for the term mini car. Even Mini hasn’t nailed it down, offeringretro-styled modelsof varying sizes spread out across several segments. We don’t think Musk’s message refers to a true Mini-fighting hatchback, though.
To us, it sounds like Tesla will release a commuter-type vehicle in the vein of the advanced, limited-productionVolkswagen XL1made between 2014 and 2016. Volkswagen’s offered space for two passengers, though Musk suggested Tesla’s will arrive as a single-seater. It’s safe to bet the yet-unnamed model will be fully electric because we can’t imagine Tesla releasing a car powered by a gasoline- or diesel-burning engine.
The term mini car is open to interpretation. Musk might have been referring to a scaled-down Tesla for kids like the Model S-like onelaunchedby Radio Flyer. ThePeel P50certainly qualifies as a mini car: it holds the record for the world’s smallest car. Alternatively, the mini car could take the form of a vehicle closer to a go-kart than to aModel X. Musk hasn’t released more information so we’ll have to be patient to find out more.
Tesla certainly has its plate full. In addition to a mini car, the company is hard at work on theModel Y, a Model 3-sized crossover positioned below the Model X. It’s expected to make its debut in March of 2019. It’s also developing apickup truck, asemi truck, and the next-generationRoadsterwhich, if Tesla sticks to plan, will come with an impressive specifications sheet. Plus, it will need to update the Model S and Model X sooner or later.
