Tesla has revealed a stripped-down ‘Standard’ version of the Model Y and also an unexpected Model 3 Standard trim. Both new models are now available to order on Tesla’s U.S. website, marking a significant push toward increasing volume.
This move comes right after the U.S. federal EV tax credit expired on September 30th, something CEO Elon Musk had hinted at in the last earnings call.
These new ‘Standard’ models are designed to hit a more budget-friendly price point:
– The Model Y Standard starts at $39,990. It’s rear-wheel drive and offers an estimated range of 321 miles with the standard 18-inch wheels.
– The Model 3 Standard is even cheaper, starting at $36,990, and boasts the same impressive 321-mile range.
While the Model Y Standard is expected for November/December delivery, the Model 3 Standard will arrive a little later, with a December/January delivery window.
To meet that lower price, Tesla has made several notable changes to the ‘Standard’ trims, focusing on cosmetics, interior features, and driver assistance capabilities:
– Color Choices: The exterior palette is limited to just three colors: Stealth Grey, White, and Diamond Black. The distinctive front and rear light bars seen on higher trims of the Model Y are also gone.
– Interior: You can only get a black interior. The seats feature cheaper cloth inserts surrounding the vegan leather, according to Tesla’s website.
The large 15.4-inch infotainment screen remains the centerpiece, but other features have been removed:
– Missing Screens and Lighting: The second-row screen and the ambient interior lighting have been cut.
– No Radio: Interestingly, Tesla has removed the AM/FM radio tuners.
– Driver Assistance Limitations: The ‘Standard’ models are limited to “traffic aware cruise control” (Tesla’s version of adaptive cruise control). Crucially, they cannot perform “autosteer” functions like Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (FSD).
The new cars were unveiled on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X.
Meet Model Y Standard & Model 3 Standard – our most affordable vehicles
Ultra-low cost of ownership, engineered for safety & comes with the best Tesla features you love
– 321 mi of range
– Extreme efficiency that takes you farther + saves you $$
– Minimal maintenance
– Can… pic.twitter.com/2cMQ5NW6Yf— Tesla (@Tesla) October 7, 2025
This release of cheaper vehicles is a clear strategy to boost sales volume. Although Tesla reported a record-breaking Q3 delivery total of 497,099 (easily topping expectations), this surge was partially driven by buyers rushing to purchase EVs before the tax credit expired.
