On Thursday, January 7, 2021, Tesla updated its Model Y configurator to include the new Standard Range rear-wheel drive variant.
We were not surprised to see Tesla finally launch a cheaper version of the Model Y, although we were surprised by the Standard Range option. This is because CEO Elon Musk previously said in a tweet that Tesla would not be doing a standard range of the Y model, as it would have an “unacceptably low” range of less than 250 miles.
Tesla launched the Model Y Standard Range with a 244-mile range estimated by the EPA. It had a starting price of $ 41,990. We say transported in the past, however, because the Model Y Standard Range is no longer offered on the Tesla website. He is effectively dead again, with no explanation of why. Perhaps Musk believes again that his range is too low?
In a note posted on Reddit, a person with the Tesla Model Y Standard Range in the order received an update from a Tesla customer service representative, stating:
“We no longer offer the standard custom RWD Model Y line and we can only offer what is left in our inventory and we are honoring orders to those who have already made their deposits.”
The Model Y Standard Range was a rear-wheel-drive crossover with a single engine and a time from zero to 60 mph of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 135 mph. According to the Tesla website, the estimated delivery time for the Model Y Standard Range was currently 2 to 5 weeks. Some deliveries of this version have been made, although we don’t know how many. You can see how it worked in the deep snow here. Now, this version cannot be ordered. See the screenshot below the Tesla Model Y order page:
By eliminating the Standard Range RWD variant, the effective price to buy the cheapest version of the Model Y now increases by about $ 7,000, which is quite significant. Ignore the $ 44,690 figure in the image above, as it includes some “savings” that Tesla likes to present. The actual starting price for the Long Range Model Y is $ 48,990, while the Standard Range Y Model was being sold at $ 41,990.
Check out our comprehensive comparison of the Y SR, LR and competitive vehicles here.
What do you think of Tesla removing the Standard Range variant from Model Y? Smart move? Or will this limit the Model Y’s ability to compete effectively with vehicles like the next Volkswagen ID.4?