We hope you don’t get your heart on that brand new Standard Range Model Y. As Electrek has learned that Tesla has quietly stopped taking orders for the ‘entry-level’ version of the electric crossover just weeks after launch. Right now, you’ll need to spend a minimum of $ 48,990 for the all-wheel drive Long Range variant ($ 1,000 less than before) if you want more interior space than the Model 3 can provide.
It’s not clear why Tesla dropped the Standard Range trim, or whether this is a temporary move. We asked Tesla for comment, but the EV maker is said to have disbanded its PR team.
It would be a strange decision if it were permanent. Tesla lowered the price of the base Model Y to $ 39,990 just days earlier in an apparent effort to boost sales – this would clearly have the opposite effect. It could be a pause because Tesla is handling an order backlog, resetting production, or otherwise decides it won’t be able to sell the Standard Range car for a while.
If nothing else, the removal underscores complaints about Tesla’s sales strategy. The fact that the company regularly tinkers with prices may make its EVs more accessible than those of veteran car makers, many of whom are waiting for new model years to cut prices or add features. However, the inconsistency also makes it difficult to know when is a good time to buy. You can only postpone a purchase to watch a deal go away without warning, leaving you with no choice but to hang around or buy an alternative.