Model Y

Make
Tesla
Segment
SUV

Right now, the Tesla Model Y is available in two flavors: Long Range and Performance. Starting at $51,190 including the $1,200 destination charge after a recent price cut, the Long Range Model Y is currently the most affordable option, but Elon Musk has promised that a cheaper Long Range RWD variant will be available in the future.

According to Electrek's sources, the rear-wheel-drive Long Range variant is coming sooner than we thought, as trial production has reportedly begun. This suggests the market launch of the Model Y Long Range RWD could be imminent. Since Elon Musk announced last month the Standard Range Model Y has been scrapped due to its "unacceptably low range", the rear-wheel-drive Long Range Model Y will likely be the cheapest variant you can buy.

Tesla has also already performed a trial run for the Model Y Long Range RWD on its GA4 assembly line before temporarily shutting it down for upgrades.

As for the driving range, Elon Musk has confirmed on Twitter the Model Long Range RWD's range will be "significantly higher" than 300 miles, which is "extremely good for any EV, especially an SUV." By contrast, the AWD Model Y Long Range has an EPA-rated range of 316 miles, while the Performance variant will last 315 miles on a single charge according to the EPA. According to Elon Musk, the Standard Range Model Y's EPA range would have been less than 250 miles, which is "unacceptably low".

Pricing details for the new RWD Model Y haven't been confirmed yet, but Musk hinted it will cost around $45,000 when the new variant was announced. This is good news for anyone who can't afford the AWD Model Y and Model X but want a more practical Tesla than the Model 3.

Tesla also listed the Model Y Long Range RWD for $48,000 on its loan calculator but has since removed the listing. We shouldn't have to wait too long to find out more details, as the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD could break cover soon now that trial production has begun.