Tesla has finally launched a more affordable range Electric car. These are not brand new cars, but rather stripped-back versions Refreshed Model Y And Model 3 To lower initial costs, making it easier for more people to step into Tesla ownership.
This change is long overdue. As someone who has spent a lot of time behind the wheel of both EVs, I see this as a move that could significantly boost Tesla ownership.
The idea is simple: make the same design and driving experience accessible to more people, minus the extras most owners rarely use. In my view, this is a smart move.
This comes at a time when electric car buyers will be looking for more affordable options. According to statistics from June Kelly Blue BookThe average new car transaction price in the US sits at $49,077, while the average price for EVs is $57,245. That’s lower than the market’s peak in December 2023, but it’s still about $10,500 higher than five years ago.
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How much do Tesla’s cheapest cars cost and what do they come with?
This is what the back of the Tesla Model Y Standard looks like. It has the same light bar as the regular version.
Model Y standard rear-wheel drive starts at $39,990 and offers an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles, a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds and a maximum charging rate of 225 kW. It is powered by a 69 kWh battery and produces around 300 horsepower. This version uses a smaller battery module than higher trims and is 5% more efficient than the Model Y RWD.
Inside, it features an open-concept center console similar to the Cybertruck, as well as textile door and dashboard trim. The 10-way driver and four-way passenger seat controls are now operated via touchscreen, eliminating the need for physical buttons.
The Tesla includes a seven-speaker audio system, automatic high beams and dual-tone textile and vegan leather seats, but most cabin adjustments are manual. This includes seats, steering wheel and mirrors. The front seats are heated, while the rear ones are not.
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The rear passenger curtain has been removed, but the car still has a mobile charger. The glass roof is now closed internally with a fabric headliner for improved insulation and the mirrors are manually folded. Also, there is no HEPA filter, only a particulate and odor filter.
The Model Y comes standard with 18-inch wheels, 19-inch wheels are available as an optional upgrade, and offers 75 cubic feet of cargo space. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, and curb weight is 4,061 pounds. It supports Tesla’s well-established Supercharging network and can add up to 160 miles in about 15 minutes. This version is available in three colors: Stealth Grey, Pearl Multicoat White and Diamond Black.
Driving along a road in front of the Tesla Model 3 standard. It looks identical to the regular Model 3.
Meanwhile, the Model 3 standard rear-wheel drive now starts at $36,990 and shares many of the same hardware and software features. It has the same 69 kWh battery, delivers 321 miles of EPA range, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds for 286 horsepower.
Tesla adds a front bumper camera with washers like the Model Y, uses vegan leather and textile seating, and has touchscreen-controlled seat adjustments instead of physical switches. There are manual second-row folding seats, a manual-adjust steering wheel and mirrors, and no heated rear seats or ventilation.
It retains the glass panoramic roof but has acoustic front door glass and tempered rear glass. The rear screen has been removed, and the center console now has uncovered cupholders. It has a 7-speaker audio setup and the same 15.4-inch touchscreen that dominates the interior.
Charging speeds are uniform up to 225 kW, and Tesla claims that up to 170 miles of range can be added in 15 minutes. It weighs 3,759 pounds and has 24 cubic feet of cargo space. This trim offers the same three paint choices as the more expensive option.
Both cars ship with manual second-row air vents, ditch the LED strips in favor of footwell and door-pocket ambient lighting only, and come with standard LED headlights with automatic adaptive high beam (no matrix LEDs). Interestingly, they also ditch autosteer, though they come with traffic-aware cruise control as standard.
Full self-driving is optional, available for $8,000 or with a $99 monthly subscription. Tesla is offering the same four trim levels for each model: Standard, Premium RWD, Premium AWD and Performance.
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I think this new approach makes a lot of sense for Tesla. Instead of ending the market’s luxury, it essentially brings the focus back to what made the brand so popular: long-range, fast-charging, affordable electric vehicles that still feel sophisticated. By trimming the extras, the company has created an option that could appeal to first-time EV buyers who might otherwise look to cheaper rivals.
In my experience, Tesla’s biggest strengths have always been its software and driving dynamics, and they remain intact here. For anyone on the fence about switching to an EV, these new versions of the Model 3 and Model Y might be the most convincing reason yet.
Pricing for the Model Y standard starts at $39,990, while the Model 3 standard follows close behind at $36,990. Global pricing has yet to be announced, but expect it to undercut the existing long range model as well.
For now, this is the most accessible way to buy a Tesla.