Kills RWD Standard Range

Returning on Thursday, January 7, 2021, Tesla updated its Model Y configurator to include the new rear-drive variant of the Standard lineup.

We weren’t surprised to see Tesla finally release a cheaper version of the Model Y, although we were surprised that it was the Standard Range option. That’s because CEO Elon Musk previously said in a Tweet that Tesla wouldn’t make a standard Model Y lineup because it would have an “unacceptable” range of less than 250 miles.

Tesla launched the standard Model Y lineup with an EPA estimated range of 244 miles. It carried a starting price of $ 41,990. We say carried to the past, however, as the standard Model Y lineup is no longer offered on Tesla’s website. He did indeed die again without any explanation as to why. Maybe Musk thinks his range is too low again?

In a note posted on Reddit, someone with the standard Tesla Model Y lineup on order received an update from a Tesla customer service representative, stating:

“We no longer offer the standard custom RWD Model Y line-up and we can only offer what’s left in our inventory and fulfill orders from those who have already made their deposits.”

The Model Y Standard Range was a single-engine rear-wheel drive crossover with a time of 5.3 seconds from zero to 60 mph and a top speed of 135 mph. According to Tesla’s website, the estimated delivery time for the standard Model Y lineup was currently 2-5 weeks. Some shipments of this version have been made, but we don’t know how many. You can see how it performed in the deep snow here. Now this version cannot be ordered. See screenshot below of Tesla Model Y order page:

By eliminating the Standard Range RWD variant, the effective price to buy the cheaper version of the Model Y now increases by around $ 7,000, which is quite significant. Ignore the figure of $ 44,690 in the image above because it includes “savings” that Tesla likes to showcase. The actual starting price for the long-range Model Y is $ 48,990, while the standard-line Model Y was selling for $ 41,990.

Check out our full comparison of Y SR, LR and competitor models here.

What do you think of Tesla’s removal of the Model Y’s standard lineup variant? Smart moving? Or will it limit the Model Y’s ability to compete effectively with vehicles like the upcoming Volkswagen ID.4?