Tesla just added a third option to its Model Y lineup. The Standard Range Model Y is now available at a much lower cost than the previous options of Long Range and Performance. The most noticeable difference beyond the cost is the EPA estimate of 244 miles on a single charge, compared to the over 300 miles possible with the more expensive variants.
The Tesla Model Y is similar to the Model 3 but is more of a crossover design, with increased interior space, including a larger cargo area and a hatchback rear. It offers more potential seating capacity, with a seven-seat option becoming available recently. The rear seats recline on the Model Y and have a three-way split, with each side and the middle able to fold down. This gives more options for accommodating passengers and packing cargo. The Model Y offers a bit more ground clearance as well. The only disadvantage is a higher price and a bit less range.
When Tesla launched the Model Y, the Standard Range was to come later. However, according to a tweet from founder Elon Musk, it was canceled due to insufficient range. Clearly, Tesla must have reevaluated and decided that 244 miles is a worthy distance to travel between charges, because the Standard Range is now an option on the website starting at $41,990. Choosing Long Range adds $8,000 to the cost ($49,990 total) while increasing the range to 326 miles. The Performance option begins at $59,990 and, while it has an estimated range of 303 miles, the primary focus is on increasing acceleration rate and top speed. This somewhat negates the extra range, since quick acceleration requires more power and drains the battery more rapidly. Drivers that feel the need for speed and choose the Performance model should expect range to be well under 300 miles.
AWD & The Best Model Y Option
Choosing between the three options is made easier for anyone that wants or needs all-wheel-drive (AWD). The Standard Range Model Y has rear-wheel drive (RWD), meaning only the two back tires are turned by the motor. This is common among most passenger vehicles and those in the Southwest or in urban areas have little need for AWD. Anyone that lives in areas that have snow or rough terrain may find AWB very useful when driving conditions are unfavorable. This combined with the additional 82 miles of driving distance between charges makes the Long Range model worth the extra expense.
Every Tesla Model Y has good performance, with the Standard Range model offering a 0-60 mph time of 5.3-seconds and a top speed of 140 mph. This isn’t race car speed but it’s fine for most. The Long Range model is a dual-motor design that improves those figures to 4.2 seconds and 145 mph. This is in the range of many gas-powered muscle cars. The Performance model adds $18,000 to the cost of the Standard Range Model Y while improving acceleration to 3.5 seconds to reach 60 mph with a top speed of 155 mph. This is in the range of a sports car. The question of whether someone needs to drive a cross-over utility vehicle around like a race car, won’t be addressed. Suffice it to say, there is a Model Y to suit a wide range of budgets now, starting as low as $41,990.
Source: Tesla