Tesla has sent a powerful signal to the global automotive market with the official unveiling of the 2026 Tesla Model 2, an all-new compact electric vehicle introduced at a starting price of just $15,990. The announcement, made by Elon Musk during a special presentation, is already being described by industry analysts as one of the most ambitious moves in Tesla’s history.

Positioned as Tesla’s most accessible vehicle to date, the Model 2 is designed to bring electric mobility to a much broader audience while maintaining the company’s signature focus on software, intelligent systems and advanced manufacturing.

According to Tesla, the 2026 Model 2 is built on a completely redesigned lightweight platform, optimized for efficiency, rapid production and long-term durability. Engineers focused heavily on simplifying the structure of the vehicle, reducing component count and accelerating assembly through next-generation factory automation.

What truly surprised audiences, however, was Elon Musk’s reveal of five new features that were not previously rumored.

The first unexpected feature is a new adaptive city driving system designed specifically for dense urban environments. The software uses enhanced object recognition and short-range predictive modeling to improve navigation in traffic-heavy areas such as narrow streets, crowded intersections and complex parking spaces.

The second feature is a smart interior configuration system. Instead of fixed layouts, the Model 2 introduces modular seating and storage elements that can be reconfigured digitally and mechanically, allowing drivers to switch between passenger-focused and cargo-focused setups in minutes.

Third, Tesla introduced a new energy optimization mode that actively adjusts acceleration response, climate usage and route planning based on real-time conditions. The system continuously balances driving behavior and energy consumption to extend range without compromising comfort.

The fourth feature is an advanced voice-based control platform that goes far beyond basic commands. The system allows drivers to manage navigation, vehicle settings and personal preferences through natural speech, while learning individual usage habits over time.

The fifth and most surprising feature is a built-in vehicle-to-device power capability. The Model 2 can supply electricity to external equipment and small appliances, turning the vehicle into a mobile energy source for outdoor activities, remote work locations and emergency situations.