Here’s How Much Tesla’s New Range of Affordable Electric Cars Cost

Tesla has finally done what many electric car buyers demanded it by unveiling entry-level versions of the Refreshed Model Y And Model 3. As many expected, there’s no all-new car, but rather sleeker configurations of existing models that lower the price of entry, making it easier for more buyers to get into Tesla ownership.

This should have been done a long time ago. As someone who has spent a lot of time behind the wheel of both cars, I view this as a move that could significantly increase Tesla ownership. Even though electric vehicles are attractive, price remains a sticking point for many. The idea is simple: make the same design and driving experience accessible to more people by removing the extras that most owners rarely use – and in my opinion, that’s a smart move.

This comes at a time when electric vehicle buyers will be looking for cheaper options. According to June figures from Kelley Blue Book, the average new vehicle transaction price in the United States is $48,644. That’s 2% lower than the December 2023 market peak, but still about 13% higher than June 2021 prices.

How much do Tesla’s most affordable electric vehicles cost and what do they contain?

The standard rear-wheel-drive Model Y starts at $39,990 and offers an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles, a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, and a maximum charging rate of 225 kW. It is powered by a 69 kWh battery and produces around 300 horsepower. This version uses one less battery module than higher versions and is 5% more efficient than the Model Y RWD.

Inside, it features an open-concept center console similar to the Cybertruck, textile door and dashboard trim. Controls for the 10-way driver’s seat and 4-way passenger seat are now managed via the touchscreen without physical buttons.

Tesla includes a 7-speaker audio system, automatic high beams, and two-tone textile and vegan leather seats, but most cabin adjustments are manual. This includes the seats, steering wheel and mirrors. The front seats are heated while the rear seats are not.

The rear passenger window has been removed, but the car still includes a mobile charger. At the top, the glass roof is now closed internally with a fabric headliner for better insulation and the mirrors can be folded manually. Additionally, there is no HEPA filter, only a particle and odor filter.

The Model Y Standard rides on 18-inch wheels standard, with 19-inch wheels available as an additional option, and offers 75 cubic feet of cargo space. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds and curb weight is 4,061 pounds. It supports Tesla’s well-established Supercharging network and can travel up to 160 miles in about 15 minutes. This version is available in three stealth gray, pearl multi-layer white and diamond black.

Meanwhile, the standard rear-wheel-drive Model 3 now starts at $36,990 and shares many of the same hardware and software features. It has the same 69 kWh battery, offers 321 miles of EPA range, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds thanks to 286 horsepower. Tesla added a front bumper camera with a puck like the Model Y, uses vegan leather and textile seats, and has touchscreen-controlled seat adjustments instead of physical switches. There are manual folding second-row seats, a manually adjustable steering wheel and mirrors, but no heated rear seats or ventilation.

It retains the panoramic glass roof but features acoustic front door windows and tempered rear windows. The rear window has been removed and the center console now features uncovered cup holders. It also has a 7-speaker audio setup and the same 15.4-inch touchscreen that dominates the interior. Charging speeds are the same up to 225 kW, and Tesla says up to 170 miles of range can be added in 15 minutes. It weighs 3,759 pounds and has 24 cubic feet of cargo space. This trim offers the same three paint choices as the more expensive options.

Both cars come with manual second-row air vents, ditch the LED strips in favor of ambient lighting only for the footwells and door pockets, and are equipped with standard LED headlights with self-adaptive high beams (no matrix LEDs). Interestingly, they also omit Autosteer, although they come with traffic-aware cruise control as standard. Fully autonomous driving is optional, available for $8,000 or through a monthly subscription of $99. Tesla offers the same four trim levels for each model: Standard, Premium RWD, Premium AWD and Performance.

I think this new approach makes a lot of sense for Tesla. Instead of chasing the luxury end of the market, it brings the focus back to what made the brand so popular in the first place: offering long-range, fast-charging, affordable electric vehicles that still feel cutting-edge. By cutting back on extras, the company has created an option that could appeal to new EV buyers who might otherwise turn to cheaper competitors. In my experience, Tesla’s greatest strength has always been its software and driving dynamics, and those remain intact here. For anyone on the fence about switching to an electric vehicle, these new versions of the Model 3 and Model Y might be the most compelling reason yet.

Pricing for the Model Y Standard starts at $39,990, while the Model 3 Standard follows closely at $36,990. Global pricing has not yet been announced, but it is expected that it will also undercut the existing Long Range model. For now, this is the most accessible way to buy a Tesla.