Newshot Entry-Level Tesla Model Y Range Increases 8.5% in the US Market, Price Unchanged
IT Home, November 15 news: The range of the entry-level Tesla Model Y in the US market has been improved. According to information published on Tesla's official website, the EPA-estimated range of the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) has increased from 321 miles (about 517 km) to 348 miles (about 560 km), an increase of about 8.5%. However, the price of this model remains unchanged at $39,990 (IT Home note: about 268,000 yuan at current exchange rates) (about 285,000 yuan).
This model is the Model Y Standard that Tesla launched last October. In February this year, Tesla removed the "Standard" designation from the model name and simultaneously introduced an all-wheel-drive version priced at $41,990 (about 281,000 yuan at current exchange rates).
Apart from the updated range figures, the other specifications of this entry-level Model Y have not changed. The vehicle still accelerates from standstill to 60 mph (about 97 km/h) in 6.8 seconds, has a top speed of 125 mph (about 201 km/h), and is equipped with a 69 kWh battery pack. Tesla has not yet explained the specific reason for the range increase.
To keep the price under $40,000 (about 268,000 yuan at current exchange rates), the entry-level model has been significantly simplified in terms of equipment. By comparison, the Premium higher-trim model starts at $45,990 (about 308,000 yuan at current exchange rates).
Inside, the entry-level version uses a mix of fabric and synthetic leather seats, has no rear screen, features an open storage design for the center console, is equipped with a 7-speaker audio system without a subwoofer, and only the front seats support heating. Seat adjustment must be done through the center touchscreen, and the glass roof is covered by a fabric headliner.
There are also some equipment differences on the exterior, such as the absence of the light bar and matrix LED headlights, and the mirrors require manual folding. However, the entry-level version still comes with the same heat pump system and FSD hardware as the higher-trim models.
This range increase comes just as Tesla has stopped taking orders for the entry-level Model Y All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model. That model previously had an EPA-estimated range of 294 miles (about 473 km) and was the lowest-priced all-wheel-drive Model Y at the time.
Tesla did not explain the reason for discontinuing sales, nor did it disclose whether orders will be reopened in the future.
This means that the only entry-level Model Y consumers can currently order is the rear-wheel-drive version. To buy an all-wheel-drive version, they must choose the Premium higher-trim model. Meanwhile, newly ordered Premium models are expected to be delivered only in early 2027.
For consumers who are unwilling to wait longer and do not want to pay a higher price, the entry-level Model Y RWD with the increased range is undoubtedly more attractive.
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