Tesla's 'affordable' SUV is about to get even cheaper, as a new Tesla Model Y will soon be available for under $60,000. When it launched in March 2020, the Model Y was supposed to be a game-changing vehicle for Tesla. It was larger than the Model 3, was a better fit for families, and would cost substantially less than the flagship Model X.
Unfortunately, the Model Y has only gotten more expensive the longer it's been on the market. Tesla originally promised that the Model Y would cost $47,000 for the long-range model, followed by a standard range version that would launch later for just $39,000. Today, the long-range Model Y starts at $64,990 and goes up to at least $67,990 for the performance trim. Even worse, there's no standard range version to speak of. For a vehicle that was supposed to make Tesla SUVs more accessible, the Model Y has left a lot to be desired.
Thankfully, a cheaper Model Y is coming soon. Speaking to Tesla employees, Electrek recently confirmed that Tesla will soon launch the 'Model Y Standard Range AWD.' This version of the Model Y is currently available for purchase internally by Tesla employees and will expand to the general public "in the coming weeks." The best part? It'll be available for $59,990. While that's a far cry from the $39,000 price tag Tesla promised a few years ago, it's still $3,000 more affordable than the cheapest Model Y currently available.
What To Expect From The Model Y Standard Range AWD
But the lower price isn't the only exciting thing about the new Model Y Standard Range AWD. Electrek also confirms that this version will feature Tesla's new 4680 battery cells. The upgraded batteries provide more energy, range, and power compared to earlier generations, allowing the Model Y to be a better vehicle than it would have been a few years ago. It reportedly goes from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds and has 279 miles of range — a huge increase over the 230 miles of range the old $39,000 Model Y was supposed to come with.
Although the $59,990 price may still be more money than some folks are willing to spend, it's reassuring to see Tesla refresh the Model Y in a way that makes it cheaper and not more expensive. A more substantial price difference than $3,000 would have been great, but this remains a step in the right direction for making the Tesla Model Y the affordable SUV it was always supposed to be.
Source: Electrek