Tesla has finally launched a more affordable product line electric cars. As expected, the electric vehicle company did not launch an entirely new car, but rather light versions. Updated model Y AND Model 3 to lower the cost of entry and make it easier for more people to access Tesla ownership.
This change should have happened a long time ago. Having spent a lot of time behind the wheel of both cars, I see this as a move that could significantly increase Tesla ownership.
The idea is simple: make the same design and driving experience available to more people by removing extra features that most owners rarely use. In my opinion, this is a smart decision.
This comes at a time when EV buyers are looking for more affordable options. According to information from June Kelly’s Blue BookThe average new car transaction price in the United States is $48,644. This is 2% lower than the market peak in December 2023, but still around 13% higher than June 2021 prices.
How much do the cheapest Tesla cars cost and what’s included?
The standard rear-wheel drive Model Y starts at $39,990 and offers an EPA-estimated range of 521 miles, 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds and a maximum charging capacity of 225 kW. It is powered by a 69 kWh battery and produces around 300 hp. This version requires one less battery module than the higher trim levels and is 5 percent more efficient than the Model Y RWD.
Inside, it features an open Cybertruck-style center console, fabric doors and dashboard. The 10-way adjustable driver’s seat and the 4-way adjustable passenger seat are now controlled via the touch screen, without physical buttons.
The Tesla has a 7-speaker audio system, automatic high beams, and two-tone cloth and vegan leather seats, but most interior adjustments are manual. This includes the seats, steering wheel and mirrors. The front seats are heated, the rear seats are not.
The rear passenger window has been removed, but the car still has a mobile phone charger. The glass roof is now closed internally with a fabric covering for better insulation and the mirrors can be folded manually. In addition, there is no HEPA filter, but only a particle and odor filter.
Model Y Standard rides on standard 18-inch wheels, 19-inch wheels are available as an option and offers 75 cubic feet of cargo space. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds and curb weight is 4,061 pounds. It is compatible with Tesla’s established Supercharger network and can travel up to 160 miles in about 15 minutes. This version is available in three colors: Stealth Grey, Pearl Multicoat White and Diamond Black.
Meanwhile, the base model 3 with rear-wheel drive starts at $36,990 and shares many of the same hardware and software features. It has the same 69 kWh battery, offers an EPA range of 521 miles, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds thanks to 286 horsepower.
Tesla has added a front bumper camera with a steering wheel like the Model Y, uses cloth and vegan leather seats, and offers touchscreen-controlled seat adjustments instead of physical switches. There are manual folding second-row seats, a manually adjustable steering wheel and mirrors, and no heated or ventilated rear seats.
The panoramic glass roof remains, but has acoustic glass in the front doors and tempered rear glass. The rear window has been removed and the center console now has visible cup holders. It also has a 7-speaker audio setup and the same 15.4-inch touchscreen that dominates the cabin.
Charging speeds are the same up to 225kW and Tesla says it can add up to 170 miles of range in 15 minutes. It weighs 3,759 pounds and has 24 cubic feet of cargo space. This version offers the same three color options as the more expensive options.
Both cars have second-row manual air vents, forego LED strips and use only ambient lighting in the footwell and door pockets. In addition, LED headlights with automatic adaptive high beam (without matrix LEDs) are standard. Curiously, they do it even without the automatic steering, although they are equipped with traffic-sensitive cruise control as standard.
Fully autonomous driving is optional and available for $8,000 or via a $99 monthly subscription. Tesla offers the same four trim levels for each model: Standard, Premium RWD, Premium AWD and Performance.
I think this new approach makes a lot of sense for Tesla. Instead of chasing the luxury segment, the focus has shifted to what made the brand so popular in the first place: offering affordable, fast-charging, long-range electric vehicles that continue to break new ground. By cutting back on the extras, the company has created an alternative that could attract new EV buyers who might otherwise turn to cheaper competitors.
In my experience, Tesla’s greatest strength has always been its software and driving dynamics, and they still remain. For anyone still looking to switch to an electric vehicle, these new versions of the Model 3 and Model Y may be the most compelling reason.
Pricing for the Model Y Standard starts at $39,990, with the Model 3 Standard following closely behind at $36,990. Global pricing has yet to be announced, but is also expected to weaken the current model in the long term.
This is currently the cheapest way to buy a Tesla.
