Tesla Could Launch A New Compact EV In Less Than Five Years

As if Tesla didn’t already have enough on its plate, Elon Musk has done what Elon usually does (no, not bashing the Press) and suggested that the automaker is planning yet another all-new model.

Aside from struggling to increase Model 3 production, the automaker intends on delivering the Model Y crossover, Semi and all-new Roadster in the coming years.

While speaking at the Tesla annual shareholders meeting, Musk added that those will be joined by a new model: “I think we’ll do a compact car in less than five years”, he said.

The outspoken chief executive failed to offer any additional insight into the compact Tesla, but it could very well be similar in size to the upcoming Volkswagen I.D. hatchback, which should hit the market at least three years earlier.

A compact car would slot below the Model 3 in the brand’s range, but because it is still at least five years away, will probably feature more advanced batteries and electric motors than Tesla’s current passenger vehicles. As is the case with all other Teslas, the compact would be offered in a plethora of guises, including as an all-wheel drive performance version.

During the shareholders meeting, Musk also revealed that the production versions of the Semi and second-generation Roadster will be even more impressive than the show cars revealed last year.

According to Musk, the entry-level Roadster will be capable of hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) in 1.9 seconds, while a range-topping version with the SpaceX option package will top out the range and be even quicker, and the Semi’s range could exceed 600 miles (965 km).