
Tesla Reduced the Price of the Model Y Standard by Including a Headliner to Conceal the Glass Roof | Carscoops
Two new budget-friendly EVs have made their debut under the Standard name, eliminating various features such as the FM/AM radio to reduce prices.
Tesla has launched new “Standard” trim levels for both the Model 3 and Model Y.
The Model 3 Standard starts at $36,990, while the Model Y Standard begins at $39,990.
Features like Autosteer and the AM/FM radio have been removed, and the shock absorbers have been downgraded.
Despite Elon Musk's ambitious promises over the last couple of years regarding affordable Teslas, the anticipated budget models have arrived with a more muted response than expected.
As anticipated after several recent leaks, these newcomers represent a significantly stripped-down version of the Model Y. However, a closer look might reveal that, in Tesla's unique reasoning, less can sometimes equate to more. We'll delve into that later.
Nonetheless, Tesla surprised observers by introducing the lower-priced Model 3, with both now falling under the new “Standard” trim classification.
Additionally, Tesla has reorganized its trim range, designating entry-level models as Standard, while the mid-tier Long Range options are now called Premium. The Performance top-tier variants for both models remain unchanged.
Lower Prices, Simpler Offerings
The initial pricing sets a clear tone: the Model 3 Standard begins at $36,990, which is a $5,500 reduction from the previous base Long Range RWD model. The Model Y Standard starts at $39,990, reflecting a $5,000 decrease compared to its RWD Premium counterpart. These amounts do not include delivery fees.
Both models feature a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration and are equipped with a smaller 69 kWh battery pack that consists of one less module than the standard version.
Model Y Standard
Starting with the Model Y Standard, it has an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles, down from the 357 miles of the RWD Premium version. The vehicle's acceleration is also slower, reaching 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.8 seconds with a rollout, compared to the Premium's 5.4 seconds. The top speed remains unchanged at 125 mph.
However, the specifications tell only part of the story. Tesla has removed so many features that the car now feels like something you would leave parked in an economy lot after a long weekend getaway, leaving it behind without a second thought.
In a notable change, the middle section of the lightbar is gone, which could even be seen as an improvement. The front bumper has been simplified with updated air inlets and integrated lighting elements. At the rear, the taillights have lost their connecting center strip.
Additionally, the Model Y Standard now comes with smaller 18-inch wheels as standard, with a 19-inch option available. The straightforward wheel covers may not be the most stylish, but the increased tire sidewall should enhance ride comfort. Color options are limited to three: Stealth Grey as standard, and Pearl White for $1,000 and Diamond Black for $1,500.
No FM/AM Radio and Reduced Suspension Quality
The most significant changes are found inside the vehicle. The vegan leather seats have been replaced with textile inserts, and the center console now has a large open compartment reminiscent of the utilitarian design of the Cybertruck.
Front seat ventilation and rear seat heating have been eliminated, and rear passengers no longer have access to the 8-inch fun screen, which has been replaced with manual vents. The driver now has a manually adjustable steering wheel instead of an electric one.
Upon further examination of the specifications, several more omissions are revealed. Tesla has downgraded the audio system, equipping this model with seven speakers instead of the 15-speaker setup and subwoofer found in higher trims. The FM/AM radio has also been removed, along with the HEPA filter and 'Bioweapon Defense Mode.'
Even the side mirrors are now manually foldable and no longer feature auto-dimming, and Autosteer has been removed. The second-row seats, which are power-operated in other trims, are manually foldable now. Ambient lighting has also been eliminated.
Interestingly, it appears that there has been a change to the suspension system as well. The Standard model now utilizes passive shock absorbers rather than the frequency-dependent shocks fitted in other models. This raises questions about what other features may have been discreetly removed.
Now You See It, Now You Don’t
The most apparent change can be seen when looking up. The Model Y Standard replaces its transparent roof with a regular headliner that incorporates sound-absorbing material, something many Model Y owners have desired, albeit in the form of a retractable shade rather than a complete cover.
However, appearances can be misleading. The glass roof hasn't been eliminated; it's simply concealed beneath the new headliner. Apparently, Tesla deemed it more cost-effective to keep the glass instead of investing in the development

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Tesla Reduced the Price of the Model Y Standard by Including a Headliner to Conceal the Glass Roof | Carscoops
Two new budget-friendly electric vehicles are being introduced under the Standard brand, eliminating various features such as the FM/AM radio to reduce costs.