Tesla Releases Model Y Third Row and Standard Range Options

Two very cool things happened to the Tesla Model Y today. First, it became cheaper. The Standard-Range rear-wheel drive version is now available for order. This is quite a surprise, as Elon Musk had stated last summer that the Standard Range option had been cancelled due to its sub 250 miles EPA range rating. Apparently, he changed his mind, which is great for us, as the Model Y now starts at $41,990 dollars. That is $8,000 less than the next most affordable Model Y, or put another way, it is $4,000 more than the Model 3 Standard Range Plus. For those that don’t need all-wheel drive, this is a great option, and 244 miles of range paired with the Tesla Supercharger network should allow you to road trip to most places you’d want to go. In addition to this more affordable Model Y, Tesla also released the third row option today. For an additional $3,000 you can add two more seats to the Standard Range and Long Range Model Ys, but not the Performance model. In addition to the extra seats, you also get third row USB-C charging, a sliding second row with adjustable seat-backs, fold-flat second and third rows for maximum cargo storage, and electronic fold-flat releases in the trunk. I am looking forward to seeing this option in person. I have a friend that has been waiting for a lower cost rear-wheel drive Model Y, hopefully he will let me drive it when he gets one!