Orders have ended for the Standard Range.
And that’s that. Tesla is no longer offering the cheapest Model Y trim only a month after it launched. The Tesla Model Y Standard Range RWD has been removed from the automaker’s online configurator. With an EPA-estimated range of 244 miles and a starting price tag of $41,990, the Standard Range RWD could have been a relatively affordable way for many to enter the world of Tesla ownership.
Those still keen to do so will now have to pony up at least $48,990 for the Model Y Long Range AWD, though that variant just received a $1,000 price cut. Perhaps that was a way to help compensate for the base trim’s loss. Because Tesla disbanded its PR department, there is no way to confirm whether this is a permanent or temporary change.
But here’s the odd thing: Tesla reduced the price of the base Model Y only a few days ago to $39,990. This was likely done in order to help increase sales and it’s a mystery why the company suddenly decided to change its mind. That price cut announcement also included one for the Model 3 sedan which, as of this writing, still has the $37,990 price tag for the Standard Range trim. Knowing Tesla, it’s certainly possible that could also change at any time.
Okay, so, what’s happening here? There are a few possibilities. The first being Tesla is experiencing some sort of supply problem and prefers to focus on building more profitable trim levels until the issue(s) is resolved.
Another possibility is that Tesla believes it simply can’t sell enough base Model Ys because of its 244-mile range. Elon Musk previously went on record stating Tesla would not build any Model Y variants with less than a 250-mile range. Well, it did, at least for a few weeks. So now everyone is pretty much left confused by the whole thing, but Tesla has never functioned like a typical automaker.
It’s certainly possible it’ll re-launch a new base version in the coming weeks or months, especially in light of the fact that the US government could expand the EV federal tax credit. Automakers, like Tesla, whose credits have expired might be allocated fresh credits to help buyers make the EV switch.
