Mysterious New Tesla model spotted at Gigafactory Texas in tests

Two mysterious, partially covered Tesla vehicles were recently observed on the site of the Gigafactory Texas during test drives. Now it is speculated what is under the camouflage – it could be a cheaper vehicle that has not yet been announced.

Mysterious Tesla prototypes discovered on test grounds

The likely prototypes, escorted by a cyberruck, completed road tests near the staging area on the Gigafactory. The completely covered front and rear parts were striking, which indicates new, unpublished models and thus attracted the public attention. Dr X user Joe Tegtmeyer had taken drone shots at the Gigafactory and published them – he had initially not noticed the camouflaged vehicles. Only later did other X-users start to puzzle what you could see in the video.

What is hidden under the cover?

The vehicles are similar to the Tesla Model Y, but the strategic covering prevented clear identification. Speculations are circulating in the community: It could be the upcoming Model Y performance variant, since Tesla has so far only presented the RWD and AWD versions of the revised model. But there are also other theories.

Some suspect that the 20,000 dollar electric vehicle expected under the cladding of the prototype of Teslas. Loud Teslarati There have been similar sightings before that one suspected that it could be a whole new Tesla model. The Tesla community mostly reacts positively to the sighting. Enthusiasts discuss on social media about possible specifications of the mysterious vehicles. 

Affordable Tesla models on the horizon?

The sighting takes place while Tesla works on cheaper vehicles. Lars Moravy, Vice President of Vehicle Technology, indicated during the Q1/2025 telephone conference that upcoming models would be similar to the current vehicles. “Models that come out in the next few months will be built on our production lines and are similar to the cars that we are currently producing.” Tegtmeyer’s drone followed a Tesla Model Y that drove autonomously with FSD unsupervised over 1.4 miles (2.25 kilometers) – through a complex environment with pedestrians, vehicles and construction machines, a demanding test environment for autonomous systems.

These discoveries could mark an important moment, since Tesla is currently fighting problems on many levels and urgently needs a turnaround.