On Thursday, January 7, 2021, Tesla updated its Model Y configurator with the new Standard Range variant with rear-wheel drive.
We weren’t surprised to see Tesla finally release a cheaper version of the Model Y, although we were surprised it was the Standard Range option. This is because CEO Elon Musk said in a Tweet earlier that Tesla would not make a Model Y Standard Range because it would have an “unacceptably low” range of less than 250 miles.
Tesla launched the Model Y Standard Range with an EPA estimated range of 244 miles. It had a starting price of $ 41,990. However, we say behave in the past because the Model Y Standard Range is no longer offered on Tesla’s website. In fact it is dead again with no explanation why. Maybe Musk again believes his range is too low?
In a post on Reddit, an individual with a Tesla Model Y Standard Range on order received an update from a Tesla customer service representative, stating:
“We no longer offer the modified standard range RWD Model Y and we can only offer what’s left in our inventory and fulfill orders for those who have already made a deposit.”
The Model Y Standard Range was a single engine, rear-wheel drive crossover with a time of 5.3 seconds from zero to 100 km / h and a top speed of 135 km / h. According to Tesla’s website, the estimated delivery time for the Model Y Standard Range was currently 2-5 weeks. Some deliveries of this version have been made, although we don’t know how many. You can see how it performed in deep snow here. Now this version cannot be ordered. See the screengrab below from Tesla’s Model Y order page:
By eliminating the Standard Range RWD variant, the effective price to buy the cheapest version of Model Y goes up by around $ 7,000, which is quite significant. Ignore the $ 44,690 figure in the image above as it includes some of the “savings” that Tesla is happy to present. The actual starting price for the Long Range Model Y is $ 48,990, while the Standard Range Model Y was priced at $ 41,990.
Check out our in-depth comparison of the Model Y SR, LR and competing vehicles here.
What do you think about Tesla removing the Standard Range variant from Model Y? Smart move? Or does this limit Model Y’s ability to compete effectively with vehicles such as the upcoming Volkswagen ID.4?