Tesla launches long-range RWD Model Y variant in the US
The Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD presumably has the same battery as the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD, however, Tesla has not revealed the exact energy storage capacity or other parameters of the battery. It is also possible to extend the range, and the manufacturer unlocks it via a software block, to save on production costs. Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to Twitter to explain the move: “The ‘260 mile’ range Model Y’s built over the past several months actually have more range that can be unlocked for $1500 to $2000 (gains 40 to 60 miles of range), depending on which battery cells you have.”
The Long Range RWD variant of the Model Y delivers an EPA-estimated range of 320 miles, an improvement of 23% (60 miles) over the Standard Range RWD variant (260 miles). Upgrading to 20-inch wheels reduces the EPA-est. range to 295 miles, but that’s still 22% (53 miles) better than in the Standard Range RWD variant. It’s worth noting here that the EPA-estimated range tends to be much lower than the WLTP rating we have here in Europe.
In addition to delivering an improved range, the new variant offers slightly better performance. While the Model Y Standard Range RWD takes 6.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph), the Model Y Long Range RWD does the same in 6.5 seconds. However, its top speed is the same – 135 mph (217 kph). The EPA is yet to disclose the energy efficiency of the new variant, but it’s likely to be around 28 kWh/100 mi (28 kWh/161 km).
The Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD retails at $44,990 (excluding the $1,390 destination fee and $250 order fee). Compared to the Tesla Model Y Standard Range RWD, it’s only $2,000 more expensive. The Long Range RWD variant of the Model Y, much like the variant it replaces, is eligible for the US federal government incentive of up to $7,500.
Tesla introduced the Model Y’s Long Range RWD variant to the German market in April, but without discontinuing the existing Standard Range RWD variant. The Model Y Long Range RWD costs €48,990, which makes it €4,000 more expensive than the Model Y Standard Range RWD (€44,990).
The Model Y Long Range RWD sold in Germany has a WLTP range of 600 km (19-inch wheels) or 565 km (20-inch wheels) and takes 5.9 seconds for a 0-100 kph sprint. In comparison, the Model Y Standard Range RWD can travel up to 455 km (19-inch wheels)/430 km (20-inch wheels) on a full charge and speed up from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. While the old variant consumes 15.7 kWh per 100 km, the new variant is slightly more efficient with a rating of 15.7 kWh/100 km.
Tesla will continue rolling out incremental improvements for the current Model Y globally in the coming months, trying to push sales as much as possible ahead of an expected comprehensive facelift in 2025. Like the current Model Y, the facelifted Model Y sold in European markets would be a product of the local Tesla Gigafactory located in Grünheide, Germany.
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