- Tesla has introduced a longer-range variant of its entry-level Model Y Standard EV in Europe.
- The carmaker also introduced the base Model Y Standard in Canada.
- The European-spec Model Y Standard Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive is WLTP-rated for over 400 miles on a full charge.
Tesla’s stripped-down Model Y Standard is now available with a bigger battery and significantly more driving range in Europe. The American company’s newly introduced Model Y Standard Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (try saying that three times in a row) comes with the same limitations as the basic version, but ups the ante with 408 miles (657 kilometers) of WLTP-rated range.
The Elon Musk-led company claims the new EV is the most efficient Model Y to date, with an official energy consumption rating of 12.7 kilowatt-hours/100 km, which translates to 20.4 kWh/100 miles or 4.89 miles/kWh. That’s also on the WLTP testing procedure, which is known to produce slightly more optimistic results compared to the EPA procedure.
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Source: Tesla
Tesla’s longest-range Model Y sold in Europe starts from €46,990, which might not be enough to entice buyers who could just spend a little more to get a better-appointed car in the form of the Model Y Premium Long Range RWD, even though its range is a little lower.
The bare-bones Model Y Standard is good for 331 miles (534 km) in Europe and starts from €39,990 in most EU countries, while the Model Y Premium Long Range RWD is WLTP-rated at 386 miles (622 km) and costs $49,990.
For €3,000 less, the long-range Model Y Standard offers more range but comes with fewer speakers, a lesser suspension setup, a covered glass roof, a manually-adjustable steering wheel, smaller wheels, no FM radio, no front and rear LED lightbars, no rear touchscreen, no customizable ambient lighting, no adaptive high beams, no auto-dimming side mirrors, and no heated rear seats. Its rear motor is also derated, so the acceleration from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (0-60 miles per hour) takes 7.2 seconds, whereas the Premium RWD version needs 5.6 seconds.
That’s some aggressive decontenting, and it could work for some customers, like taxi or ride-share drivers who need to keep costs as low as possible. But as our man Kevin Williams found out after driving a Model Y Standard in the U.S., Tesla’s most affordable electric crossover is not worth it for most people right now.
