Tesla has launched a model new Lengthy Vary RWD Mannequin Y variant within the U.S. • Value: $44,990 ($37,490 together with Federal EV credit score) • Vary: 320 miles The earlier Mannequin Y RWD with 260 miles of vary has been discontinued.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk says its latest Mannequin Y fashions have extra driving vary than you thought — however you may need to pay to get it.
Musk mentioned in a submit on X that Mannequin Y automobiles constructed over the previous few months have an additional 40 to 60 miles of vary that may be unlocked, relying on the battery.
Musk mentioned Tesla may cost an additional $1,500 to $2,000 for the improve and that he is “working by means of regulatory approvals to allow” the brand new vary.
Musk revealed this in response to the Tesla investor Sawyer Merritt’s submit in regards to the automaker launching a brand new Lengthy Vary RWD Mannequin Y.
Merritt mentioned within the X submit that the earlier Mannequin Y was discontinued.
Tesla changed the Normal Vary Mannequin Y with a 320-mile Lengthy Vary rear-wheel drive for about $2,000 extra.
The EV prices between $44,990 and $49,490, relying on add-ons. House owners who qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit score can get the brand new model for $37,490.
Tesla is thought to make use of its remote-software rollouts so as to add options or make fixes to its EVs. This is not the primary time its locked an EV’s vary and supplied entry to it for an extra cost.
Tesla’s Mannequin S 70 initially had a 70 kWh battery and 220-mile vary, however the firm later revealed the battery pack had a better capability of 75 kWh with a 237-mile vary, which could possibly be unlocked for an extra $3,000.
Tesla has even disabled software program options like Autopilot when somebody buys certainly one of their EVs from a third-party vendor.
When a person requested why the unlocked vary is not supplied at no cost, Musk mentioned, “Now we have to pay the payments in some way.”
The choice to connect a charge to locked updates is a rising pattern within the auto business. BMW obtained backlash for making a few of its heated seats a subscription service. Mercedes supplied an add-on “acceleration enhance” for $1,200 a yr. In the meantime, Polestar supplied a horsepower improve for a charge of $1,195.
With the EV market slumping, subscriptions and unlockable choices may present automakers with extra income streams.