Tesla launches stripped-down standard Model 3 and Y
Tesla introduced more affordable versions of its Model 3 and Model Y this week, reducing prices by about $5,000 in the US while cutting several features. The move aims to counter the end of the $7,500 EV tax credit and boost sales amid declining market share. Reactions have been mixed, with some praising accessibility and others criticizing the value.
Tesla unveiled the Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard on October 8, 2025, in the US, with base prices of $36,990 and $39,990 respectively, before fees. These rear-wheel-drive models offer 321 miles of EPA-estimated range, compared to 363 miles for the Model 3 Premium RWD and 357 miles for the Model Y Premium RWD. Charging speed drops to 225 kW from 250 kW, and acceleration is slower at 5.8 seconds for the Model 3 and 6.8 seconds for the Model Y to 60 mph.
To achieve the lower prices, Tesla removed features including FM radio, an 8-inch rear passenger touchscreen, ventilated seats, and Autosteer lane-centering—though basic traffic-aware cruise control remains standard. The audio system has seven speakers instead of 15, upholstery mixes vegan leather and cloth, and adjustments for seats, mirrors, and steering wheel are manual. The Model Y Standard features 18-inch steel wheels, no front and rear LED lightbars, passive shock absorbers, and a panoramic glass roof covered by a fabric headliner for better insulation and noise reduction, despite lacking the premium model's infrared-reflective coating.
Tesla VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy explained the roof decision on X: "All glass is NOT created equal... the standard is not [laminated with silver IR reflective coatings]... plus LOTS of people wanted a closed headliner, always trying to listen (and improve road noise at the same time)." He added that retaining glass aids "cost, supply chain and manufacturing efficiency" over switching to metal.
In Europe, the Model Y Standard launched days later at €39,990—€10,000 below the Premium—retaining Autosteer and power-folding mirrors, with 534 km WLTP range. No Model 3 Standard is available there yet. The launches follow the September 30, 2025, expiration of the US EV tax credit, amid Tesla's sales challenges from CEO Elon Musk's political ties to Donald Trump, which some sources link to a 22% EU sales drop in August despite 30% overall EV growth.
Analyst Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities noted the models could help Tesla reach 500,000 quarterly deliveries initially, potentially scaling to 600,000 with future projects like the Cybercab, while emphasizing AI and autonomy as long-term drivers. Competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt at under $30,000 and Nissan Leaf at $30,000 offer similar ranges without such cuts, pressuring Tesla's value proposition.