While the automaker's website currently only lists the $54,380 Long Range and $58,380 Performance variants of the Model Y, a number of Tesla stores have base Model Ys in stock that are priced $2,000 less than the Long Range model. However, it should be noted that many of these entry-level Ys in inventory include at least $2,000 worth of optional 20-inch wheels and tires, which effectively negates the cost savings over the Long Range counterpart.
The new base-level Model Y comes with a standard dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, and has a greater EPA-rated range compared to the previous entry-level rear-drive Model Y, which Tesla stopped producing in 2021. With up to 279 miles of driving range on a full charge, the cheapest Model Y variant has a 35-mile greater range than the old Standard Range model. However, it falls short of the Model Y Long Range and Performance's figures by up to 51 and 24 miles, respectively.
The electric motors of the latest addition to the Model Y line are powered by Tesla's 4680 battery pack, which the company produces at its Texas plant. While Tesla has not released details about the pack's rated capacity, it is safe to assume that the useable capacity of these batteries is less than the 75.0-kWh pack that powered a 2020 Model Y Long Range, which was EPA-rated to travel up to 316 miles on a full charge.
Whether the range deficit of the base 2023 Model Y relative to its Long Range kin is worth its $2,000 price reduction is a matter of personal preference. However, the extra money in a base Model Y buyer's pocket can be used towards added options for their new EV, a lower monthly payment, or other expenses.
Source: Car and Driver
