- Tesla cuts price of Model 3 and Model Y in the US
- New ‘Standard’ variants of both
- Model 3 Standard costs $36,990
- Model Y Standard costs $39,990
- Around $5,000 off asking price
- No confirmed launch for UK market
Tesla has launched more affordable ‘Standard’ versions of both its Model 3 and Model Y - but there’s a massive catch for UK drivers.
The big announcement has been made in the US this week, with Tesla shaving $5,500 off the Model 3 and $5,000 off the Model Y.
As far as big unveilings go, it’s fair to say some motorists were left a little underwhelmed, with many hoping for more of a discount on Tesla’s popular products.
There’s more bad news for Tesla fans here in Britain, as there’s no planned launch of the Standard models for the UK market - at the time of writing, anyway.
With the tide of affordable new EVs from China showing no sign of turning, this is a pivotal moment for Tesla. Here’s everything we know so far:
What is the Tesla Model Y Standard?
The Model Y Standard is Tesla’s new entry-level SUV, sitting a rung down from the ‘Premium’ (as it’s known across The Pond) Rear-Wheel Drive Drive version.
The Model Y Standard costs $39,990, equivalent to around £29,800, while the cheapest Model Y here in the UK will set you back £44,990.
You get a range of 321 miles (down on the 357 miles offered by the Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive) and the Standard is also slower off the mark, covering 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds.
How has Tesla made the Model Y Standard cheaper? By jettisoning some of the features and functions, that’s how.
The lightbars that sat across the width of the vehicle have been removed while the bumpers have also been remoulded and simplified.
There are smaller wheels - 18-inch rims with 19-inch alloys an option - while ‘Stealth Grey’ is the co-cost paint colour.
Inside the cabin the upholstery has been given a nip and tuck and is now vegan leather with textile inserts (which might actually be welcomed by some families who want harder-wearing seats).
The front seats are no longer ventilated, though they are heated, and there are no heated seats in the rear. The 8-inch touchscreen in the back has also been removed and replaced with air vents.
Interestingly, the glass roof remains - but is now covered by a black headliner that exists to absorb sound. How does adding a headliner actually save money..? Your guess is as good as ours!
The shock absorbers appear to have been downgraded, as have the number of speakers you get with the sound system.
When it comes to charging, the max DC speed is 225 kW, down slightly on the 250 kW you get with other Model Ys in the Tesla stable.
Pretty much all of the regular software and tech features remain (including Dog Mode and Sentry Mode) but the ‘Autosteer’ function has become an optional extra.
What features and powertrain do you get with the Tesla Model 3 Standard?
It’s a very similar story for the Tesla Model 3 Standard, which costs $36,990 - equivalent to around £27,500, while the cheapest Model 3 you can get here in Blighty will set you back £39,990.
The powertrain is less potent, with the range dropping to 321 miles (the same as the Model Y Standard) while 0-60mph goes by in 5.8 seconds (slower than the 4.9 secs it takes the Model 3 Premium).
The exterior of the Model 3 Standard doesn’t look all that different to other 3s in the range and there are fewer cosmetic changes than we’re seeing with the Model Y Standard.
There’s a new front-mounted camera, 18-inch wheels are standard, and grey is your no-cost paint scheme.
There are cost-saving textile and artificial leather seats in the interior, the rear screen has been pulled, a turn-signal stalk (as opposed to indicator buttons on the steering wheel) returns, and you still get a panoramic glass roof.
Will the Tesla Model Y Standard or Tesla Model 3 Standard be coming to the UK?
Only time will tell if the new, more affordable ‘Standard’ Tesla’s will arrive in the UK.
What’s perhaps more likely is we get a slight tweak to what’s fitted as standard to the cheapest Rear-Wheel Drive models, rather than Tesla having to re-fettle the line-up.
Watch this space.
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