Currently reading: New entry-level Tesla confirmed for 2016

£30,000 Tesla electric car will launch in 2016

More details have emerged about the proposed new entry-level Tesla, which would potentially vie with the likes of the Nissan Leaf and Vauxhall Ampera for low-emission sales.

Primary shareholder Elon Musk confirmed to investors that the company is developing a smaller battery-powered model, known as the Gen III.

Musk is quoted as saying: "It will probably arrive at the end of 2016 I would say - the third-generation vehicle, or the vehicle that is in a lot of ways a smaller version of the Tesla Model S at about half the price."

Although UK pricing of the Tesla Model S has yet to be confirmed, that means a likely entry price for the Gen III model of around £30,000 if government grants are ongoing.

Musk also revealed more details about the Tesla Model X crossover, which is scheduled to be launched later this year. The Model X is all-electric and uses the same running gear as the Model S. It seats seven and is notable for the 'falcon' door arrangement of its concept.

Musk said: "Because the battery is in the floor-pan, it should have the lowest centre gravity of any SUV and as a result, extremely good handling. We want to have something that has the handling of a sports car and also looks great, but has more functionality than a minivan. We're aiming to have initial cars in customer hands at the end of next year."

Musk also confirmed that the company is preparing a China-specific version of the Model S as well as another version of the car for the rest of Asia.

Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you’ll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.