Leading American automaker Tesla has discreetly added a new Model Y variant to its official US configurator, potentially the e-SUV’s cheapest form. The model is a rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a single motor configuration, essentially replacing the recently eliminated Model Y AWD with 4680 battery cells.
New RWD variant details
Tesla’s new RWD Model Y now offers an estimated driving range of 260 miles with 19″ Gemini wheels. It will drop to 242 miles with the upgrade of 20″ wheels.
Some reports guess the new variant will feature Tesla’s LFP ( Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) battery pack. This battery chemistry is more affordable and durable than the NMC battery technology. However, it has lesser energy density, which reduces driving range.
It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, slightly slower than the retired AWD variant’s 5-second capacity.
It also supports a maximum charging capacity of 170 kW, lower than the other variants’ 250kW peak rate.
Tesla Model Y key specs
For those interested, below are the basic specifications of the US variants of the Tesla Model Y:
| Model | Drive | EPA Range | 0-60 mph (sec) | Top Speed |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD 19-inch | RWD | 260 mi* | 6.6 | 135 mph |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD 20-inch | RWD | 242 mi* | 6.6 | 135 mph |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y AWD (4680) 19-inch [removed] | AWD | 279 mi | 5.0 | 135 mph |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y AWD (4680) 20-inch [removed] | AWD | 269 mi* | 5.0 | 135 mph |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD 19-inch | AWD | 330 mi | 4.8 | 135 mph |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD 20-inch | AWD | 318 mi* | 4.8 | 135 mph |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Perf. LR AWD 21-inch | AWD | 303 mi | 3.5* | 155 mph |
Pricing
The entry-level variant costs $43,990, excluding a $1,640 destination and order fee). It will have an effective cost of $38,130 with the $7,500 federal tax credit deduction. That said, it is $3,750 cheaper than the removed Tesla Model Y AWD (4680).
Presented below are the Tesla Model Y’s pricing per variant, as provided by InsideEVs:
| Model | Base Price | Dest. Charge | Tax Credit | Effective Price |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD 19-inch | $43,990 | +$1,640 | $7,500 | $38,130 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD 20-inch | $45,990 | +$1,640 | $7,500 | $40,130 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y AWD (4680) 19-inch [removed] | $47,740 | +$1,640 | $7,500 | $41,880 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y AWD (4680) 20-inch [removed] | $49,740 | +$1,640 | $7,500 | $43,880 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD 19-inch | $50,490 | +$1,640 | $7,500 | $44,630 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD 20-inch | $52,490 | +$1,640 | $7,500 | $46,630 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Perf. LR AWD 21-inch | $54,490 | +$1,640 | $7,500 | $48,630 |
It is worth noting that the new Tesla Model Y RWD’s pricing can further drop with some local state EV incentives, which may boost its sales in the e-SUV segment.
See Also:
- Tesla Model Y topped New Zealand’s new car sale charts in September 2023
- Tesla Model Y continues to lead the European auto market from Jan to Aug 2023
- Ford Mustang Mach-E’s US sales recover in August, trails behind Tesla Model Y
- Tesla Model Y dominates the used EV market in the US, study reveals
- EV dominates 60% share of the automotive market in Sweden in August, Tesla Model Y leads
Tesla indicated in its online configurator that the Model Y RWD deliveries are estimated to commence from October to November 2023. The arrival of the new standard range Model Y will undoubtedly urge more customers to join the EV shift, considering its enticing pricing.
