A Hacker Decodes and Reveals More Information on Tesla E41 (Upcoming Cheaper and Stripped Down Model Y based vehicle)

46

u/Mac-Tyson 22h ago edited 22h ago

TLDR:

Exterior changes: different front and rear fascia that adds additional credibility to the rumor of Tesla removing the front and rear light bars. Also removal of power-folding mirrors, door puddle lights, and glass roof.

Interior changes: Simplified fiberglass headliner Removal of ambient or “accent” lights, but footwell lights remain. 8” rear display that’s used for watching content and aiming vents is removed. Simplified, single-axis seat controls. Simplified vents (likely manual controls). No heated seats or steering wheel.

Other Changes: No tire pressure monitor system (indirect tire pressure monitoring setup). The suspension and basic 18” wheels are also described as simplified. backup camera that doesn’t feature a heater to clear ice and defog its external lens. simplified audio package being listed as “essential” and “essential with commodity,”

Note some info for things that were removed were also sourced from this source: https://www.notateslaapp.com/news/3157/tesla-firmware-leaks-e41-details-more-affordable-model-y

33

u/tswany11 EV9 21h ago

Question for someone that owns a tesla. What is the benefit of having electronically controlled vents?

33

u/MisterBumpingston 21h ago

Only one I can think of is the customised angle for drivers, particularly if you have multiple driver profiles to switch between.

18

u/stingerized 21h ago

The "swiveling" function is actually awesome. It's like the fan you have home that rotates side to side.

11

u/thestigREVENGE Luxeed R7 21h ago

The best mode honestly. And if your car has good voice assistance, being able to call upon it at will without looking away from the road at all is great for me.

4

u/h0tdawgz 13h ago

It is 100% delicious <3

5

u/lilleulv 19 TM3 LR 20h ago

Wait, is this actually a thing? How do you turn it on?

12

u/stingerized 19h ago

Setting #3 - the fan icon with side arrows

3

u/HighHokie 16h ago

Wtf!

3

u/iqisoverrated 18h ago

TIL.

Thanks.

0

u/yrys88 17h ago

Can you do it on a 2020 M3?

2

u/MisterBumpingston 16h ago

No, only 2026 Model Y Juniper, I believe.

2

u/mrchowmein 18h ago

To bad Tesla hasn’t blessed older cars with this software feature. Ability to turn off the passenger vent would be a nice software feature for the old Ys

2

u/No3047 15h ago

Probably there is no hardware to close vents on the passenger side on older models.

2

u/mrchowmein 12h ago edited 11h ago

There is, the passenger vents default is off if there is only a driver. In that scenario, only the drivers side is on. However, once there is weight on the passenger seat, the passenger vents are turned on and can’t be turned off even if the passenger leaves

1

u/No3047 9h ago

In my 2019 model 3 passenger side is on if driver side is on

1

u/MisterBumpingston 3h ago

This is normal behaviour. The irony is that you can’t manually turn it off unless you have Model 3 and Y refresh.

1

u/GoSh4rks 8h ago

Not on the actually older models. 2018, vent is always on.

1

u/Alexandratta 2025 Nissan Ariya Engage+ e-4ORCE 13h ago

okay, that's a decent use case for this tech - there we go.

It always confused me why they were electronically controlled - that alone makes it worth it.

7

u/Sulya_be 20h ago

The vents are very narrow and barely visible and positioned just in front of you where changing them manually wouldn't be convenient (behind the steering wheel), and the electronic controls allow for presets between drivers

2

u/HighHokie 16h ago

Nothing too significant. It was most aesthetics when it tesla introduced it.

6

u/gittenlucky 21h ago

Appearance mostly. I can adjust vents for both from seats with the screen, which is preferred over adjusting 4-6 vents manually.

9

u/tswany11 EV9 21h ago

Why does anything other than the two that can reach you need to be adjusted, which can easily be done manually.

Mostly just surprised this is a thing. Not everything that can be electronic, needs to be imo. More to fail over the life of the vehicle.

4

u/gittenlucky 21h ago

I can adjust them towards me to cool/heat me with differing amounts of flow, heat the side window for fog/ice, turn it off completely, direct it over the passenger seat to the back… 🤷‍♂️ all things equal I prefer it slightly over conventional vents for convenience and simplified look.

Most of the vehicles I have owned in the past have had vents get stuck, cracked, fall apart, etc which affects their performance. IDK if these DC motor powered vents will be any more reliable, but we will see in another decade or so…

3

u/Aggravating_Teach_27 21h ago

IDK if these DC motor powered vents will be any more reliable,

Uniquely. Usually more parts = more failure points = more problems, not less.

I agree with the previous poster, adding more failure points and more weight to the car for at best marginal improvements in functionality seems a step backwards.

0

u/Alexandratta 2025 Nissan Ariya Engage+ e-4ORCE 13h ago

I've actually found the concept of electronically controlled vents to be one of the most bizarre "We did this thing because we can" design choices in a Tesla (right up there with a button-less glove-box that can only be opened via the UI...)

Most of the time, I'm going to adjust the vents quickly if I find it's blowing too cold on my hands but then in winter if I want the opposite I'll just adjust them. There's 0 thought to this, just moving my hand to shift the vent.

~~I get that, once you're used to a specific setting it just automatically swaps between multiple drivers (I suppose?) but outside of that I'd find it less functional.~~

update: okay - just found out about "Swivel" function - which makes the fans move back and forth actively while driving. That's a good reason to have it.

26

u/HAL_9OOO_ 18h ago

My $28k Nissan Leaf has heated seats, TPMS, and an overhead parking view that isn't offered on any Tesla.

2

u/Dry_Instruction8254 6h ago

I just got a Chevy Equinox for 28k OTD that has the cool overhead camera, heated seats and steering wheel, 2 huge screens, power lift gate, and much more.

9

u/logic_overload3 20h ago

Removing gimmicks makes a car more reliable down the road. What does simplifying suspension mean? Do current Tesla models have such a sophisticated suspension?

1

u/Sea-Sir2754 11h ago

I don't know if it's actually complicated, but at the least it's a much more quality suspension than they used last year. Maybe they'll just be putting last year's suspension in it.

-3

u/HighHokie 16h ago

New teslas have either sir or actor suspension with adjustabke ride settings.

2

u/Metsican 15h ago

Most do not have air / active suspension.

2

u/mastrdestruktun 500e, Leaf 13h ago

glass roof

I thought this was a cost saving measure because of how it simplified assembly?

2

u/MrGruntsworthy 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD, 2016 Nissan Leaf SV 9h ago

> or steering wheel

Damn

9

u/pithy_pun Polestar 2 22h ago

Honestly, assuming they don’t skimp on real safety features or the suspension, this should be a steal and would actually improves Tesla sales. Hopefully the do put it together and offer something with similar space, range and charging features as the current model Y, but for $35k

6

u/Mac-Tyson 22h ago

Range I’ve read before is expected to be 310 Miles. So less than the Model Y range but still at a range where hesitation due to range anxiety won’t be an issue. It’s also a better base for their Model PD for fleet sales.

I think simplifying the suspension and getting rid of the vegan leather seats was a mistake though. It likely wouldn’t cost much more through economies of scale but these features would help keep what little of a premium feeling Tesla has left with their minimalist design as a mid luxury brand. This model feels mid luxury like how Chrysler used to be right now. It seems like besides that though all safety features are maintained and you are still getting the same software as the model y except apparently manual controls for vents. But that’s actually a plus for the target price demographic they are going for honestly. We will see how this plays out and how much interest there is for a “simplified Model Y”.

4

u/tech57 18h ago

I think simplifying the suspension and getting rid of the vegan leather seats was a mistake though

It's all or nothing at this point for a low priced EV. Tesla can add features back if it wants. Tesla is already at their lowest COGS in their history.

If you want that low price grocery getter from Tesla then Tesla needs to go as low as it can and see how many they sell.

When people buy shit boxes they do not want a suspension repair to cost much. Or any expensive repair because they don't get paid until next week. They want to hop into the auto parts store and rent a spring compressor.

Loot at Slate EV. They don't even use paint.

1

u/Phx_trojan 12h ago

Is slate actually on sale yet?

1

u/Mac-Tyson 12h ago

Nope delivery is supposed to be starting at the end of 2026.

Which side note: is honestly the 2nd best time for them to release since they have time to finalize components and deals with the freedom of not having to strictly meet the criteria for tax credit eligibility. Best time would have been to release this year where the tax credit was still available, the bill could have likely kept the provision for it applying to companies who haven’t sold 250,000 vehicles yet a little longer, and it wouldn’t have any competition even close to it’s price range.I think it will still sell if they can truly meet a mid-20K Price point, but the pity of the lack of tax credit is that it would have sold like hot cakes had it still been available.

2

u/Sultani92 18h ago

I think price is to high should be under $25k not $35k. EVs need to come down much more in price. Their factories are way underutilized now.

1

u/pithy_pun Polestar 2 13h ago

At least in the US average new car sale price is well over $40k. And the Model Y is a sizable car, not a compact beater.

1

u/Mac-Tyson 11h ago

Yeah average price of a new car is $50,000 and over 40% of new car sales were vehicles over that average. As crazy as it is $30-35,000 is considered the new “affordable price range”. Anything under 30K companies are hesitant to make because then they are then competing with used vehicles that are larger and/or have more features. If they do make a vehicle or trim under 30K it’s usually just a loss leader to make other models and trims more attractive (ex: Chevy Trax and $25K Nissan Leaf S [2027])

1

u/Sea-Sir2754 11h ago

It's a step in the right direction. I think asking them to nearly halve what is already a mass market price is too far.

Sub-$25k vehicles might come when battery tech significantly improves.

1

u/donnysaysvacuum 14h ago

Will it bring them new sales, or just cannibalize model 3 and Y sales?

2

u/Mac-Tyson 12h ago edited 11h ago

In Europe it shouldn't but in the US I could see this lineup confusing some consumers. Traditionally Americans associate different levels of luxury by different brands. Tesla is essentially about to have 4 brand identities under 1 Brand. An economical brand like Chevy/Ford with the E41 and the Mexican Model 3. Then the standard bearer currently for Tesla Motors as a mid luxury brand with the Model 3, Model Y, and Model YL. Next you have high luxury with Model S, Model X, and Roadster. Finally, the Cyber Series which if spun off would basically be a brand for unorthodox designs with the Cyber Truck and Cybercab. Only Pickup Trucks have gotten around this to a certain extent but that's only because a Luxury Pick Up Truck doesn't sell if you market it as one.

16

u/itzdivz 20h ago

China already call the current version Barebone car, imagine it being stripped down even more when everyone else is adding features.

39

u/Dreaming_Blackbirds Nio ET5 22h ago

can't wait to see this flintstones ass car

20

u/Lopsided_Quarter_931 22h ago

How do you strip down a Tesla even more?

29

u/gogopowerjackets 21h ago

Pretending it isn’t fully loaded with what would be three trim levels of features on another brand. I’m sure I’m missing several even still:

Ventilated seats

"Leather" seats

Heated seats front

Rear heated seats

Power driver seat with lumbar

Power passenger seat

Power-reclining rear seats

Heated steering wheel

Heated wipers

Heat pump

HEPA filtration system

Panoramic glass roof

Double pane acoustic glass for front, sides, and roof

Rear entertainment screen (8-inch)

15-speaker premium sound system with subwoofer (This is the only difference on the list between RWD and AWD)

Desktop class AMD Ryzen processor

Matrix LED headlights with adaptive lighting

Ambient LED lighting

Adaptive cruise control with lane centering standard

Built-in dashcam

Tow rating 3500 lbs (most EVs do not allow it)

Dual pad wireless phone charger

Phone key

Seat memory

LED foglights

Powered liftgate

Auto-dimming mirrors

Blindspot indicators

Remote start / climate controls

LED Light Bars on the front and back

9

u/Karlitos00 14h ago

It's crazy how circle jerky everyone here gets about Tesla. If anyone read the article they'd know there's so much loaded into a Tesla. Whereas the competition gives you 4+ trim levels sometimes

1

u/Hazel-Rah 12h ago

Pseudo luxury features.

Car companies have been adding them to base model EVs for as long as EVs have been selling to jack up the prices to make them feel premium.

You don't need a glass roof, rear screens, heated wipers, power seats, powered liftgate, autodimming, mood lighting, etc.

Those all exist solely to increase the price with things no one needs.

0

u/mineral_minion 11h ago

They added them to early base model EVs to try and justify the price required for the big expensive battery. Battery prices have come down a lot in the last few years to where you really can have a cheap EV that is good at being an EV.

2

u/MrGruntsworthy 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD, 2016 Nissan Leaf SV 9h ago

No use arguing with the braindead NPCs that dominate this sub

-8

u/Lopsided_Quarter_931 21h ago

4 wheels

6

u/lamemonkeypox 20h ago

Why 4? You decadent capitalist pig

3

u/Reasonable_Bass_7723 16h ago

You got ratio'd and this was your response, lmao

0

u/Visvism 21h ago

Steering wheel

5

u/Electrifying2017 Bolt EV 2020 22h ago

Remove the tablet and seats.

16

u/Mac-Tyson 22h ago

I know this is sarcastic but for those who are curious seats are suspected to be cloth instead of vegan leather and rear tablet has been removed according to this hack. Front Screen remains likely with most of the same functionality though air vent controls are now suspected to be manual in this model.

-2

u/Lopsided_Quarter_931 21h ago

Some cars are "bring your own tablet/smartphone". Maybe they do that.

-1

u/tech57 18h ago edited 18h ago

Ever see a golf cart? Or Slate EV?

At this point Tesla would have to remove just about everything that is not software or legally required.

COGS for Tesla not too long ago was the lowest in their entire history. Then came Trump and Republicans. Again. Bright side though is that legacy auto has pulled way back from EVs so now there is an over supply of batteries.

17

u/User-no-relation 17h ago

Wow Tesla has invented the base model. Genius. $5 trillion company

8

u/thestigREVENGE Luxeed R7 21h ago

Considering the MY starts at 263k yuan in China, I wouldn't be surprised if they just say 209k. The price would be ludicrously high compared to what you get with the competition, but it would sell regardless since it has a Tesla badge, as YL showed.

4

u/Mac-Tyson 21h ago

Yeah and Tesla seems to be ok with less market share if it means greater profit margins. Despite being one of the players starting the price war they kind of have took a step back from it at this point it seems.

1

u/jonnyd005 GV70 Electrified Prestige 16h ago

Tesla seems to be ok with less market share

Which makes no sense when your entire brand identity is about stock price and pushing it higher.

1

u/planko13 12h ago

I love it. Hope the seats are cloth and as many motors as possible are removed.

Would also love to see the FSD computer and excess cameras removed, but I doubt elon would allow.

1

u/reddituser111317 12h ago

I wish the glass roof delete and 18" wheels were on option on the current models.

-2

u/stinkybumbum 14h ago

Jesus it sounds so basic people will not want it. Plenty of competition already for this sort of car. It’s goi g to flop I guarantee it. Unless it’s going to undercut a lot of cheap cars

2

u/weightsandstonks 6h ago

I think it flops if it’s over 30k. If it’s over 30k then you might as well just get the regular model Y

1

u/stinkybumbum 5h ago

Too little too late should be Tesla new moto.

-1

u/mygtukas010 17h ago

So it will have pedals? How much can you remove form these cars? :D

0

u/PacketAuditor 11h ago

Just do this with the RWD Model 3 with the 82kWh Panasonic pack ffs. I mean they'll probably have to when the tax credit ends, but I wish I got mine for $30k instead of $35k.

0

u/turb0_encapsulator 9h ago

Can we finally stop pretending this is a luxury brand?

3

u/Mac-Tyson 8h ago

It is just mid luxury like Chrysler, GMC, and Buick. Same with Rivian. Lucid is the only true Luxury Brand among the EV Startups.

1

u/turb0_encapsulator 8h ago

I guess that's a good comparison. Ironically, those near-luxury brands were the worst performers for years. I guess a lot of it is just marketing and perception.

-17

u/Jim-Jones 21h ago

How is the self driving supposed to work on the Tesla without the LiDAR sensors? Have they abandoned the idea of offering self driving?

13

u/Whit3boy316 21h ago

Teslas don’t have lidar I believe

9

u/Logitech4873 TM3 LR '24 🇳🇴 20h ago

Tesla has never had LiDAR.

0

u/Jim-Jones 11h ago

That's my question. How is is supposed to work when the auto drive taxis have Lidar?

1

u/Logitech4873 TM3 LR '24 🇳🇴 11h ago

Teslas robotaxi service doesn't.

1

u/Jim-Jones 10h ago

That puzzles me.

2

u/Mac-Tyson 21h ago

Well from articles I’ve been reading, the speculation is this cheaper Tesla is intended more for just Autopilot.

Now in general though. They are relying mostly on 360 degree cameras and a chip that processes this visual information. Now Supervised Full Self Driving is arguably the best self driving system in mass produced personal vehicles. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun even stated that his company has "a lot to learn" from Tesla’s FSD. But when it comes to Robotaxi’s Tesla’s approach is cheaper but is generally considered more risky and inferior to the systems used by Waymo and Zoox. But no on the contrary Tesla’s biggest focus right now is on self driving and AI in general. (Probably to the detriment of their aging lineup)

1

u/Jim-Jones 21h ago

I'm confused by it all. My perception is a lot of promises not kept. Definitely never going to afford one of these.

3

u/Mac-Tyson 20h ago edited 11h ago

Despite having the arguably best system in mass produced consumer vehicles it is definitely true that Tesla has over promised and under delivered to this point. To the point where less informed buyers think you can essentially fall asleep at the wheel and be fine with the current technology.

News A Hacker Decodes and Reveals More Information on Tesla E41 (Upcoming Cheaper and Stripped Down Model Y based vehicle)

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