Tesla has officially opened orders for its new Model Y Long Range RWD in the U.S. at a starting price of $45,000, marking a significant entry-level option for potential buyers of the popular electric SUV.
This launch follows a design refresh earlier this year and introduces a competitive alternative to the previously available Long Range AWD configuration, which started at $49,000.
The Long Range RWD version boasts an impressive 357 miles of range, an increase of 30 miles over its AWD counterpart.
Deliveries for Tesla’s Affordable Model Y Expected in 3 to 5 Weeks
However, this comes at the cost of performance, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.4 seconds, compared to the AWD’s faster 4.6 seconds. Tesla’s strategic decision to introduce this model appears aimed at bolstering demand, particularly as it moves to gather inventory of the AWD model shortly after its launch.
Deliveries for the new Model Y Long Range RWD are expected to begin in the U.S. within the next 3 to 5 weeks, and Tesla has started offering subsidized financing options to further entice buyers.
The automaker has also been producing a combination of RWD and AWD models in its facilities in Fremont and Austin, suggesting it is taking proactive steps to meet market demand efficiently.
Interestingly, Tesla had little backlog for the model prior to this launch, which may have prompted the decision to introduce a more affordable variant.
The introduction of this RWD model reflects Tesla’s ongoing strategy to make electric vehicles more accessible while maintaining production momentum. As demand fluctuates, the automaker’s inventory management will be crucial in sustaining interest and sales moving forward.