Refreshed RWD Tesla Model Y hits the States
The refreshed Model Y Juniper, which debuted earlier this year, was previously only available in the US in the Long-Range AWD and Launch Edition configurations.
Now, Tesla has introduced the more affordable Long Range RWD to the United States, making it the most budget-friendly Juniper Model Y yet. It features the same physical design as the other Juniper models, albeit with some performance trade-offs. For example, the new RWD version boasts an estimated range of 575km, which surpasses the Launch Edition’s 530km, although it falls short of the Long Range AWD’s 586km. But that comes at the cost of acceleration: 0 – 100 kph in approx. 5.6 seconds, compared to the AWD’s 4.8 seconds. That’s because, while it shares the same 82 kWh battery pack as other models, it only has a single motor.
Regardless, the price isn’t to be sniffed at. Looking at the Tesla website configurator, once buyers apply the federal EV tax credit of $7,500, the new rear wheel drive (RWD) model will cost only $37,490 – that’s around $4000 less than the AWD version costs with the same tax credit, or about $15000 cheaper than the ‘Launch Edition’ which started at $59,990.
This marks a wider push by Tesla to attract more customers, following consistent low demand and falling sales over the last quarter. The company has already begun cutting finance rates on the new Model Y – down to 1.99% APR in the States, a discount amounting to several thousand dollars. This follows a direct $2000 discount for those purchasing a Model Y in the US, as well as 0% financing in China. Discounts are also being introduced in Europe – for example, in Germany, where the new RWD Model Y has been available for some time, the leasing instalments cost €499 per month with no down payment. It remains to be seen whether these initiatives will bring the customers flooding back.
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