* Battery costs: A significant portion of an electric vehicle's cost is the battery pack. Reducing the price requires advancements in battery technology and manufacturing to lower costs.
* Competition: The market for electric vehicles is becoming increasingly competitive. Tesla will need to price its affordable model attractively to compete with other manufacturers already offering lower-priced EVs.
* Profitability: Tesla needs to ensure that an affordable vehicle remains profitable, balancing lower production costs with reasonable profit margins.
* Technological advancements: Tesla may wait for further technological advancements to make a truly affordable car without compromising features or quality.
In short, while Tesla's goal of a cheaper car is publicly acknowledged, its realization remains uncertain regarding timing and final price. It's more a matter of *when*, not *if*, but the "when" is highly dependent on the aforementioned factors.