We've all become accustomed to the fact Tesla doesn't operate like a typical automaker. Never has and likely never will. Sometimes, it for the better, like releasing over-the-air updates instead of waiting for next model year improvements current owners can't benefit from. But when it comes to pricing, buyers can be left scratching their heads. Tesla changes vehicle pricing on its website without prior notice, though the amounts aren't usually substantial. But they do add up.

Case in point: the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Electrek reports prices for both vehicles have increased yet again, this time by $500 each. The cheapest versions for both now begin at nearly $38,990 and $50,990, respectively. Those who've been following this subject over the past few months will notice a troubling pattern has emerged.

Tesla has been gradually upping the prices and with this latest change, the Model 3 is now $2,000 more expensive to purchase than it was only in February. Interestingly, both vehicles saw price drops earlier this year but this didn't last long. So what's the reason for these changing prices? The answer is that nobody knows and, unfortunately, Tesla gave its entire PR department the slip months ago so there's no one to directly ask.

But there are a few possibilities as to what's going on here. First up, there could be supplier issues. If Tesla is unable to obtain certain components for whatever reason(s) and at a specific price, it'll have to look elsewhere where prices could differ.

Tesla did temporarily shut down its Fremont factory, home of the Model 3 and Model Y for North American customers, in late February due to parts shortages. It's definitely possible the effects of the shutdown are still being felt. Another and perhaps more annoying explanation is that Tesla is playing the market by trying to gauge how much customers are willing to pay.

Some may also be wondering if now's a good time to buy. There's no good answer to this. Buy now, and yes, you'll be paying a bit more than you would've last week. Not buy and, well, you risk yet another increase and that's bound to happen sooner or later.