Recently, Tesla rolled out the Model Y Long Range in a Rear-Wheel Drive variant, one that was initially exclusive to European customers. However, as of this week, Tesla has made this new Rear-Wheel Drive Long Range Model Y available in the US market! This release also signifies the debut of the longest-range Model Y as the base model, replacing the Standard Rear-Wheel Drive variant. The new base Model Y boasts an impressive 320 miles of range, a notable increase from the previous Standard Model Y, which offered 260 miles of range.

Has The Price Changed?

Admittedly, this enhancement comes with a higher price tag of $44,990, compared to the previous Standard Model Y priced at $42,990. Nonetheless, considering the relatively modest price increase, the upgraded base Model Y gives a significant improvement in range and justifies the cost adjustment.

What About Customers Who Recently Purchased the Old Standard Model Y?

Some customers who recently received their Standard Model Y may be unhappy about missing out on this model. However, Elon Musk addressed these concerns on X (formerly Twitter) by announcing that the “260 mile range Model Y’s built over the past several months actually have more range that can be unlocked for $1500 to $2000 (gains 40 to 60 miles of range), depending on which battery cells you have.” This is great news for those seeking a range upgrade while eliminating the need to purchase a new vehicle.

For those interested in learning more about the new Rear-Wheel Drive Long Range Model Y and its features, we recently published an article detailing all the latest changes, available here: Tesla Introduces The Highest Range Model Y Ever, But Only For Europe