Tesla Drops Prices on Model 3 and Model Y: Here’s What You Give Up
Everything costs more these days. So when Tesla actually drops prices, it’s worth paying attention. The company has just launched new Standard variants for the Model 3 and Model Y, the most affordable versions of both cars currently available for purchase.
The Model 3 Standard starts at $38,630. The Model Y Standard comes in at $41,630. That’s $5,500 and $5,000 less than the previous entry-level models. But Tesla had to strip some stuff out to hit those numbers.
The Big Changes
The Model Y got hit harder than the Model 3. The light bars across the front and rear are gone, replaced by integrated headlight units. Wheels shrunk from 19 inches to 18 inches standard, which should actually improve ride quality.
Paint choices were narrowed down to three: white, black, or gray. Only gray is free. Inside is where Tesla really cut costs. The vegan leather seats now have textile inserts. Front seat ventilation disappeared. The rear seats lost heating. The 8” rear touchscreen got axed for manual vents.
The steering wheel is now manually adjustable, and the turn signal stalk has been reinstated. Here’s the weirdest change: the Model Y’s glass roof still exists, but you can’t see it from inside. Tesla installed a headliner and sound-deadening material, sealing you off completely.
According to Tesla, this was cheaper than engineering a metal roof. The Model 3 Standard escaped with fewer cuts. No light bars to remove, so the exterior looks nearly identical to Premium models. Interior changes match the Model Y, but the Model 3 keeps cabin access to its glass roof.
Power and Range
The Model Y Standard features a single rear motor that produces 300 hp. Zero to 100 km/h takes 6.8 seconds versus 5.4 seconds for the Premium RWD. Still quick enough for most drivers. The battery capacity dropped by about 10 % to 69.5 kilowatt-hours of usable energy.
Range estimates hit 517 kilometers on 18-inch wheels and 488 kilometers on 19s. Supercharging maxes out at 225 kilowatts instead of 250.
The Model 3 Standard makes 286 hp, the same as the Premium RWD, according to Tesla. However, it’s somehow slower, reaching 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds compared to 4.9 seconds for the Premium. The math doesn’t add up, and Tesla hasn’t explained why. Range matches the Model Y: 517 kilometers on 18s, 488 kilometers on 19s.
Are The Cuts Worth It?
For most people, yes. You’re giving up ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a rear touchscreen. Those are nice, but not essential for daily driving. The slightly slower acceleration and reduced charging speed matter more on paper than in real life.
A 6.8-second Model Y still smokes most cars on the road. While the sealed glass roof may seem odd, the added sound insulation could enhance cabin quietness.
Who Should Buy These
These make perfect sense as commuter cars or family vehicles where luxury isn’t the priority. You get Tesla’s charging network, over-the-air updates, and strong safety ratings at a lower price. What you don’t get is the premium experience. The cloth seats and manual adjustments remind you that this is the budget option.
Conclusion
Tesla managed to cut costs without compromising core performance and range. The Standard models sacrifice comfort and convenience, but they retain what matters: great range, quick acceleration, and Supercharger access. For buyers who don’t need every feature, these are the most affordable Teslas ever. And in a market where prices keep climbing, that counts for something.
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