Cheaper Tesla Model Y breaks cover and appears to ditch front/rear light bars

Source: Cybermike

On October 2, 2025, X user @Ryan Mable, reportedly a turbo machinery engineer at Firefly Aerospace, posted three photos he took of the uncovered cheaper Tesla Model Y variant (codenamed E41) driving near Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas.

The Model Y E41 appears to feature some exterior design changes aimed at reducing production cost, including a closed glass roof, likely with textile headliner on the inside to save costs on UV coating and sound insulation.

Source: X @RyanMable

The photos also reveal that Tesla will be ditching its front light bar, introduced on the Model Y facelift and the Model Y L, and replacing it with split single-part headlights. Tesla will also ditch the matrix headlights and auto high beams.

Specifications were found in the firmware previously, including the use of basic single-axis adjustable seats, and removing premium cabin features such as ambient lighting and rear-seat entertainment screen.

Camouflaged spy photos had already revealed that the more affordable variant will be smaller than the regular Model Y. The firmware further showed that the cargo space will shrink by just 28 liters.

Side mirrors, steering wheel, second-row air vents and folding seats will have to be manually adjusted.

Source: X @RyanMable

Further savings were achieved with standard 18-inch wheels, 7-speaker sound system and dual-tone seats with textile and vegan leather.

Other minor changes include rounded rear glass corners (vs rectangular on the Model Y) and modified taillight with L-shapes (vs n-shapes) sides with a black strip that appear to replace the light bar.