Tesla has launched the Model Y Standard and Model 3 Standard, two new entry-level variants created to boost sales following the brand's worst period to date.
Launched in the US – with other markets, such as the UK, understood to follow soon – the Y Standard is priced at $39,990, $5000 cheaper than the rest of the range, and the 3 Standard is $36,990, $5500 cheaper.
The pair are claimed to be the most efficient Tesla models yet, each offering up to 321 miles on the US’s strict EPA testing cycle, which translates to around 360 miles on Europe’s WLTP test.
Tesla doesn't give exact battery capacities but the Standard is likely to use the same 60kWh pack as the Rear-Wheel Drive models sold in the UK and mainland Europe, which have WLTP ranges of 311 miles (Model Y) and 323 miles (Model 3).
The increase in range has been achieved by a “distinctive” new design, said Tesla. As well as marking out the Standard from the rest of the Model Y and Model 3 ranges, the bodywork changes make it more slippery, according to the company.
In an effort to cut costs, the Standard models have a more stripped-back feel inside. Faux leather is replaced by part-cloth seating and the full-length centre console is essentially cut in half to create a similar open area to that found in the Cybertruck.
No physical key is offered. Instead, owners access the car via their smartphones.
Tech-wise, the Standard models are similar to the rest of the Model Y and Model 3 ranges. They get the same 15.4in central touchscreen (which continues to control all of the car’s main features), remote climate control capabilities, Sentry Mode and Dog Mode.
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More evidence of Musk overpromising and underdelivering. As an automotive brand Tesla is rapidly becoming another Edsel
In the USA Tesla brings out a $5k cheaper version just days after the government sponsored $7500 (at point of sale) discount goes away. What a coincidence?
Both the Model 3 and Y are no longer the cutting edge cars they were once were and cars from China, France and South Korea have left Tesla trailng, factor in Musk's political actions have done more to damage the brand in the eyes in the people who are likely to buy an EV. Sales of the Cybertruck have slumped in the US and new product such as the on/off Model 2 and the Roadster is now delayed by five years from it's proposed debut in 2020. I wonder if Tesla will be the 21st Century equivalent of Kaiser-Fraser another company that threatened to revolutionize the car industry but disappeared after a decade