Tesla Axes Most Affordable Model Y Trim Again

Sep. 18, 2023 11:50 AM ET byJacob Oliva Pricing /2 Comments

That means no more sub-$50k Model Ys.

Tesla Model Yprices havefluctuated immenselythis year, but the most recent adjustments mean you can't buy one for under $50,000 - before incentives. That's because the American EV maker has removed the base Dual-Motor variant from the options, reverting to its original two-pronged roster for its buyers.

As of today, the Model Y options on the website are the Long Range AWD and Performance, priced at $50,490 and $54,490, respectively. Those figures are before Tesla's calculated 'probable savings', including the full $7,500 IRA Federal Tax Credit and estimated gas savings of $3,600 over three years.

Introduced early this year, theDual Motor AWD Standard Range variantwas the entry-level version of the Model Y, offering an EPA-estimated range of 279 miles, 0-60 mph sprint of five seconds, and a top speed of 135 mph. Before options and incentives, it was sold at an MSRP of $47,740 and was the only way to get a Model Y for under $50k before incentives.

With the Long Range AWD now standing as the base variant, the cheapest Model Y you can buy has the same top speed as before but is quicker to 60 mph at 4.8 seconds and can travel farther with an EPA-rated 330 miles of range.

The previous base Tesla Model Y was equipped with 4680 battery cells manufactured at Giga Texas. This information led to some news outlets speculating that the discontinuation paved the way for the Cybertruck, alsomanufactured in the same factory.

The Model Y isn't the only Tesla experiencing major price fluctuations this year. The Model S and Model X both received $10,000 price cuts last month, which led to thediscontinuation of their respective base models. Meanwhile, the Model 3 also became more affordable earlier this month, presumed to be the effect of the upcoming facelifted version, which hasalready been revealed globally.

The reason for the discontinuation of the base model hasn't been confirmed, but we wouldn't rule out a possible return at a later date.