Tesla has announced the availability of the Model Y Long Range RWD in the US for a price of $45,000. This new variant serves as the entry-level model for the Model Y lineup following the recent design refresh.
Previously, Tesla had only offered the Model Y in a single Long-Range AWD configuration, starting with the fully-loaded $60,000 Launch Edition and later introducing the regular Model Y AWD starting at $49,000. However, the demand for this configuration in the US was not as high as expected, leading Tesla to introduce the more affordable Long Range RWD option.
The Model Y Long Range RWD comes with a price tag of $44,990 and offers an impressive range of 357 miles, which is 30 miles more than the AWD version. While the RWD version is slightly slower with a 0-60 mph acceleration of 5.4 seconds compared to the AWD’s 4.6 seconds, it still offers a great balance of performance and range.
Tesla has stated that deliveries of the Model Y Long Range RWD will begin in the US in the next 3 to 5 weeks, with the model already available in Europe. Additionally, Tesla also offers a Standard Range RWD version in Europe and China at an even lower price point.
It seems that Tesla strategically waited to introduce the RWD model in the US to optimize demand for the AWD variant. With the new entry-level option, Tesla aims to sustain demand and production rates for the Model Y. The company is expected to start producing a mix of RWD and AWD models in its Fremont and Austin factories in the coming weeks.
Tesla is currently offering subsidized financing rates of 1.99% on the Model Y Long Range AWD, indicating a potential boost in demand for the cheaper RWD model. It is likely that Tesla will extend lower interest rates to all versions of the Model Y in the US in the near future, similar to its offerings in Europe and China.
Overall, the introduction of the Model Y Long Range RWD provides customers with a more affordable option without compromising on range and performance. With Tesla’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, the Model Y continues to be a popular choice in the electric SUV market.
