Slimmed-down Model 3 and Y: Tesla introduces new ‘Standard’ models

A significantly more basic version was expected, primarily for the Model Y: the variant developed internally under the code name E41 was spotted several times as a prototype, most recently completely undisguised. However, Tesla actually unveiled simplified versions of the Model Y and the Model 3 saloon, the company’s two best-selling models. Neither of the two new variants will be sold as standalone models; instead, Tesla is bringing back the ‘Standard’ name suffix.

Previously, the basic variants with rear-wheel drive and LFP batteries were referred to as ‘Standard Range’ before Tesla, without making any technical changes, dropped this designation and the previous basic versions were sold only as Model 3 or Model Y with rear-wheel drive. These variants will continue to be offered, but will now bear the suffix ‘Premium’ to distinguish them.

For the new ‘Standard’ version, the US price for the Model 3 starts at $36,990 – instead of $42,490 for the ‘Premium’ version. For the compact SUV Model Y, the price is $39,990 for the “Standard” version and $44,990 for the ‘Premium’ version. Although this is significantly cheaper than before, it is still considerably more expensive than the entry-level model for £25,000 that Elon Musk once promised. However, Tesla discontinued work on this vehicle last year in order to focus on simpler versions of the existing models. The completely new production process that was to be used for the Baby Tesla will now (for the time being) only be used for the Cybercab, the robot taxi model without a steering wheel or pedals.

Tesla has achieved the approximately twelve percent price saving of the new ‘Standard’ models compared to the familiar ‘Premium’ versions through a series of individual measures. Tesla does not comment in detail on the technology, but there are differences in the range specifications. Both ‘standard’ models are specified at 321 miles (517 kilometres) in the US, which is slightly less than the ‘premium’ versions with LFP batteries and rear-wheel drive. Here, Tesla specifies 363 miles (584 kilometres) for the Model 3 and 357 miles (574 kilometres) for the Model Y. The acceleration figures also differ between ‘Premium’ and ‘Standard’.

For example, both ‘Standard’ models are only available in three paint colours (in the USA, ‘Stealth Grey’ is the free basic paint finish, ‘Pearl White Multi-Coat’ costs an extra £1,000, and ‘Diamond Black’ costs £1,500) instead of the six paint finishes available for the ‘Premium’ models. There is only a black interior with slightly simpler seats, as the option for a white interior is not available. The rims also differ: the Model 3 Standard has 18-inch ‘Prismata’ rims instead of the ‘Photon’ rims of the ‘Premium’ model. The Model Y even comes in different sizes: the new Standard model has 18-inch Aperture rims, while the Premium model comes with 19-inch Crossflow rims as standard. And the screen for rear seat passengers introduced with the facelifts has been removed for cost reasons.

While the Model 3 Standard can only be distinguished from the ‘Premium’ model by its rims and otherwise looks the same, there are greater differences in the Model Y. The front light strip introduced with the ‘Juniper’ facelift has been omitted, and the ‘Standard’ version has two separate individual headlights. The entire front bumper has also been redesigned. The same applies to the rear: the indirect lighting provided by the new light strip on the ‘Premium’ model is not available on the ‘Standard’ model, and the rear lights and lower section of the bumper are also slightly different in design. The glass roof has also been replaced by a cheaper roof – on the Model 3, the glass roof remains even in the ‘Standard’ version.

There are also some minor changes: rear seat heating has been removed from the ‘standard’ versions, the ambient lighting has been simplified and the normal radio is no longer installed. In addition, the steering wheel must be adjusted manually instead of electrically. The lane departure warning system is also missing, and only cruise control is available ex works – anyone who wants the steering function in the US has to buy the full ‘FSD’ package for $8,000. There are also changes to the shock absorbers.

It is certain that the Model Y ‘Standard’ will soon also be built at the German Tesla factory in Grünheide: André Thierig, head of Tesla Germany, has confirmed that series production and delivery will begin ‘in a few weeks’. Thierig has not yet announced prices. However, if the savings are similar to those in the US, the price of the cheapest Model Y is likely to fall from the current £44,990 to £39,990 – plus £980 in ‘destination and regulatory fees’.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the Model 3 Standard will also be offered in Europe. The European versions of the Model 3 are manufactured at Giga Shanghai in China and imported. If this is also the case for the Model 3, the base price of currently £39,990 could fall significantly again.

electrek.co, tesla.com (Model 3), tesla.com (Model Y), insideevs.com (Model 3), insideevs.com (Model Y), handelsblatt.com (Thierig statement, in German)

This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition