Tesla introduces standard range Model Y

In the USA, the Tesla Model Y can now also be ordered with a smaller battery pack and rear-wheel drive. In addition, the third row of seats can be ordered for this version, which turns the Model Y into a seven-seater.

The fact that the Model Y Standard Range is coming is a bit of a surprise: Elon Musk had still cancelled this version last year because the model had an “unacceptably low range” in his view. In the tweet, he used the definition “(< 250 mile EPA)” – 250 miles or around 400 kilometers in the EPA cycle was too little.

Here, however, a rethinking has obviously taken place, because now the Model Y Standard Range is available in the US configurator, with an estimated EPA range of 244 miles (393 kilometers). The price is $41,990 (before taxes, as is usual in the U.S.), which would be 34,350 euros net in Germany. That’s around $8,000 less than the long-range Model Y.

The top speed of the new version is stated at 135 mph, or 217 kph. From a standstill to 60 mph (about 96 kph), the Model Y SR is said to accelerate in 5.3 seconds. The expected delivery time is given as two to five weeks.

Another new feature is that the optional third row of seats can be ordered for the first time in the U.S. for the rear-wheel drive model: For all versions except the performance model. For the $3,000 surcharge, there are other changes besides the two additional folding seats: Apparently, the rear seat can be moved in this version so that passengers in the third row of seats can get a bit more space. In addition, more USB sockets are installed for passengers 6 and 7. In addition, the two extra seats are supposed to be able to be folded or set up electrically from the trunk.

Meanwhile, there are more rumors from China about the production of the Model Y there: as reported on Thursday, the production rate at the Shanghai plant is now said to be 8,000 vehicles per week, including 5,000 Model 3 and 3,000 Model Y. Analysts expect Tesla could produce 523,000 electric cars (278,000 Model 3 and 245,000 Model Y) in 2021 in China alone, of which 100,000 will be exported.

With 523,000 units from China, Tesla would surpass the 509,000 built at all plants in 2020 with just one plant. If production ramp-ups in Grünheide and possibly in Texas, as well as production at the company’s main Fremont plant, are included in the calculation, Tesla could significantly increase production in 2021. Analysts currently expect around 800,000 vehicles.

All of this news is also being reflected on the stock market. In the case of Tesla in the familiar extreme manifestations. As the share price continued to rise, Tesla temporarily overtook Facebook in terms of stock market value. And thanks to his shareholding, Elon Musk replaced Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos as the richest person in the world.

teslarati.com, electrek.co (all Y SR models), twitter.com, teslarati.com (Giga Shanghai), teslarati.com (stock value), electrek.co (Musk/Bezos)