Tesla will launch a stripped-down Model Y as its first "affordable" electric vehicle, according to a Chinese media report Thursday, while Reuters had a slightly different take Friday. Tesla stock popped Friday morning after falling Thursday amid general market weakness.

Ars Technica, citing analysts at Rho Motion, reported that global EV sales had jumped up 30 percent compared to this time last year. Even in the U.S., sales were reportedly up 28 percent compared with this point last year. That might actually be because folks are trying to get ahead of an anti-EV administration.

Tesla's reputation may have taken a hit due to politics, but it's also opened up a new customer base, experts say.

Tesla China is working on a cheap Model Y variant that might launch later this year to boost demand if the refreshed Model Y sales disappoint

Elon Musk immersed himself in right-wing politics, and Tesla is facing a backlash because of it. Sales have fallen in Europe, protests have surged in America, and the stock price—always a concern with Tesla—has fallen considerably.