Tesla is developing new smaller, cheaper EV, say sources; US First Lady Melania Trump denies connection to Epstein crimes: Singapore live news
In an exclusive, Reuters reported that Tesla is developing a new, smaller and cheaper electric SUV, according to four people familiar with the project. It could make a notable shift from Elon Musk’s recent focus on robotaxis and humanoid robots. Suppliers have reportedly been approached to discuss manufacturing processes and component specifications for the vehicle, which would be an entirely new model rather than a variant of the Model 3 or Model Y. Three sources said it is likely to be built in China, with possible production later expanding to the United States and Europe.
Meanwhile, in the US, First Lady Melania Trump has publicly denied any connection to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, in a rare address. She called the allegations linking her to the disgraced financier “completely false” and accusing unnamed individuals of spreading politically and financially motivated smears. Speaking for about five minutes at the White House, she said she was not friends with Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, though she acknowledged moving in overlapping New York and Florida social circles. She also dismissed an email reply to Maxwell as a trivial, casual note.
The First Lady said Epstein did not introduce her to Donald Trump, adding that she met her future husband at a New York party in 1998. Her remarks revived political attention on the Epstein case just as the Trump administration appeared to be moving beyond months of controversy over document releases and demands for further accountability.
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Esther Au Yong
Visitors look at the new Tesla Model Y L (Long Wheelbase) at a showroom in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 8, 2026. Tesla Korea begins sales of the three-row, six-seat electric SUV, with orders reportedly reaching approximately 60,000 units on its official website. (Photo by Chris Jung/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(NurPhoto via Getty Images)
In an exclusive, Reuters reported that Tesla is developing a new, smaller and cheaper electric SUV, according to four people familiar with the project. It could make a notable shift from Elon Musk’s recent focus on robotaxis and humanoid robots. Suppliers have reportedly been approached to discuss manufacturing processes and component specifications for the vehicle, which would be an entirely new model rather than a variant of the Model 3 or Model Y. Three sources said it is likely to be built in China, with possible production later expanding to the United States and Europe.
The compact SUV is expected to be shorter, lighter and less expensive than Tesla’s current entry-level offerings. Sources said it may use a smaller battery, have a shorter driving range and come with a single motor to reduce costs. Its projected price would be well below the Model 3, which currently starts at around US$34,000 in China and US$37,000 in the United States. Production is unlikely to begin in 2026, and Reuters could not confirm whether Tesla has formally approved the vehicle for production.
