The Tesla Model Y lineup is expanding as the company has introduced an entry-level Standard Range variant. Pricing starts at US$ 41,990 which makes it US$ 8,000 cheaper than the Model Y Long Range. However, there are some pretty significant tradeoffs.
First and foremost, the entry-level Model Y has an EPA-estimated range of 393 km which is 132 km less than the Model Y Long Range. The Model Y Standard Range is also rear-wheel drive, while the rest of the lineup is all-wheel drive. Besides giving up traction, performance takes a hit as the dash to 96 km/h requires 5.3 seconds. That’s still pretty good, but the Model Y Long Range can accomplish the same task in 4.8 seconds.
The Model Y Standard Range is currently
available to order and deliveries are estimated to take between 2-5 weeks. Its
arrival is interesting as Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the Model Y Standard Range
was axed as the “range would be unacceptably low (< 250 mile EPA).”
There’s no word on why the company
suddenly reversed course, but the arrival of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and
Volkswagen ID.4 could explain things. In other news, the
Model Y can now be equipped with an optional third-row for US$ 3,000. It adds two
seats and an Easy Entry system to improve access to the third-row. While there
probably isn’t much legroom, third-row passengers will find a USB-C charging
port.
