Tesla Model Y LR RWD finally hits the US market; Musk announces extra range unlock offer
Electric vehicle giant Tesla has finally launched the new variant of its popular Model Y electric crossover, the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, in the US market.
Tesla replaces Model Y RWD with Long Range RWD in the US
The new Tesla Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (LR RWD) ultimately replaces the previously available RWD variant.
Notably, the new variant arrived following the debut of the Quicksilver body paint option after only being exclusive to Europe and Asia.
The new Tesla Model Y LR RWD starts at $44,990 with 320 miles of driving range, indicating a $2,000 increase from the prior variant. For that price, the driving range improved by 23% from just 260 miles. In addition, it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds (0.1 seconds quicker than RWD).
Customers can also opt to upgrade to the LR AWD variant for only a $3,000 additional payment. It reduces the 0-60 mph time to just 4.8 seconds.
260-mile Tesla Model Y RWD to gain unlocked range
One of the most interesting changes brought on by the launch of the new Tesla Model Y LR RWD is the option to unlock extra range in the already-built RWD variant.
According to Tesla Chief Elon Musk, 260-mile Tesla Model Y RWD variants built over the past months already feature larger battery packs. Therefore, owners will soon be able to access the electric crossover’s full battery capacity with an additional 40-60 miles of driving range.
As a result, the previous RWD variant will also become Long Range RWD. However, the necessary software update to unlock the extra range is estimated to cost between $1,500 and $2,000.
“The “260 mile” range Model Y’s built over the past several months actually have more range that can be unlocked for $1500 to $2000 (gains 40 to 60 miles of range), depending on which battery cells you have.
Working through regulatory approvals to enable this.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk
Tesla Model Y basic specs and pricing
Presented below are the key technical specifications and prices of the 2024 Tesla Model Y in the US market:
| Model | Drive | EPA Range | 0-60 mph (sec) | Top Speed (mph) | Base Price | Dest. Charge | Tax Credit | Effective Price |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD 19-in | RWD | 320 mi* | 6.5 | 135 | $44,990 | +$1,640 | $7,500 | $39,130 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD 20-in | RWD | 295 mi* | 6.5 | 135 | $46,990 | +$1,640 | $7,500 | $41,130 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD 19-in | AWD | 310 mi* | 4.8 | 135 | $47,990 | +$1,640 | $7,500 | $42,130 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD 20-in | AWD | 292 mi* | 4.8 | 135 | $49,990 | +$1,640 | $7,500 | $44,130 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Perf. LR AWD 21-in | AWD | 279 mi* | 3.5* | 155 | $51,490 | +$1,640 | $7,500 | $45,630 |
* EPA Combined range according to Tesla
* Tesla charges a $1,390 Destination Fee (DST) of and $250 Order Fee to all its models ($1,640 total).
When asked why Tesla did not just offer the range unlock for free, CEO Musk explained that they “have to pay the bills somehow.”
Tesla has already updated its official website to include the new Tesla Model Y variant, making it easier for interested customers to initiate the buying process.
