Tesla has unveiled stripped-down versions of its Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles, starting at $36,990 and $39,990 respectively. These models retain core performance features while removing some luxuries to lower the entry price for buyers. The move aims to make electric vehicles more accessible amid rising average costs.
Tesla's new Standard Rear-Wheel Drive variants of the Model 3 and Model Y focus on affordability without sacrificing essential electric vehicle capabilities. The Model Y starts at $39,990, offering an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, and a peak charging rate of 225 kW. It uses a 69 kWh battery producing about 300 horsepower and is 5% more efficient than the previous rear-wheel-drive version due to one fewer battery module.
Interior features include an open-concept center console, textile doors and dashboard trim, and touchscreen-controlled 10-way driver and four-way passenger seats. A seven-speaker audio system, heated front seats with dual-tone textile and vegan leather, and auto high beams are standard, though most adjustments like seats, steering wheel, and mirrors are manual. The rear passenger screen is absent, replaced by a fabric headliner over the glass roof for better insulation, and mirrors fold manually. It lacks a HEPA filter, opting for a particulate and odor filter instead.
The Model Y comes with 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional), 75 cubic feet of cargo space, a 3,500-pound towing capacity, and weighs 4,061 pounds. It supports up to 160 miles of range added in 15 minutes via Supercharging and is available in stealth gray, pearl multicoat white, or diamond black.
Similarly, the Model 3 Standard Rear-Wheel Drive begins at $36,990 with matching 321 miles of range and 225 kW charging, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds with 286 horsepower. It features a front bumper camera with washer, vegan leather and textile seating, touchscreen seat controls, and manual adjustments for the steering wheel, mirrors, and second-row seats. No rear heated seats or ventilation are included, but it retains a glass panoramic roof, acoustic front glass, and a 15.4-inch touchscreen with seven-speaker audio.
Both models include traffic-aware cruise control but omit Autosteer; Full Self-Driving is optional for $8,000 or $99 monthly. They feature manual second-row air vents, footwell and door-pocket ambient lighting, and standard LED headlights with auto adaptive high beams. The Model 3 weighs 3,759 pounds with 24 cubic feet of cargo space and the same color options.
This pricing undercuts higher trims and aligns with market trends where average EV transaction prices stand at $57,245, compared to $49,077 for all new vehicles. Tesla offers four trim levels for each: Standard, Premium RWD, Premium AWD, and Performance.
