EVWire brief: Tesla launched the affordable versions for both Model Y and Model 3, calling them ‘Standard’, starting at $39,990 and $36,990, respectively.
Tesla has been teasing the “new affordable vehicles” in its shareholder decks for a while now, and while everyone still dreamed of a $25k Tesla, this is likely as far as we get for a while. Elon, on a recent earnings call, spelled it out that it is going to be a cheaper Model Y and will come out after the tax credit expires — and that’s exactly what happened.
These Model 3 and Y Standard versions are currently available to order in the US, but we have already seen reports of Giga Berlin boss Andre Thierig telling the team it will be launched for Europe in a few weeks.
Since Giga Berlin does Model Y and not the Model 3, it remains to be seen if they also start producing these in Giga Shanghai, which supplies Europe with the Model 3s.
Also, our congratulations to all previous regular Model Y owners — your vehicle trim is now called “Premium”
Model Y Standard — what’s different?
It costs ~$5k less — the starting price: $39,990.
Range: Up to 321 miles of range, 5% more efficient than the Model Y RWD Premium.
Performance: 0-60 mph: 6.8s; 300hp;
Efficiency: Kyle Conner said he got over 4 miles / kWh at 70mph.
Battery: The battery pack is smaller, with the same cells but sized to around 69.5 kWh usable capacity (down from ~80 kWh). Sawyer said in a subscriber-only Spaces that Tesla wanted to keep it over 300 miles of range.
New front and rear fascia. The obvious removals are in the new front and rear fascia, as you can see it, the lightbars are deleted. Perhaps the ones hating on the light bar can now rejoice and get a Tesla… if they overcome everything else that is cut out.
Charging: Peak charging speed is slightly reduced, to 225kW, which is around adding up to 165 miles in 15 minutes. We’re quite glad they didn’t go lower than that. Kyle from Out of Spec did a proper Charging Analysis video here.
Software stays: the usual outstanding Tesla software (including Grok AI integration), no sign of reduced compute or anything.
Three colors: Stealth Grey (free), Pearl Multi-Coat White ($1k) and Diamond Black ($1.5k). A Midnight Deep Blue color was supposed to be offered, but was cut from the launch in the last minute (per Sawyer Merritt in a private Space).
It also appeared on official Tesla images at first, but not yet in the configurator. Since the launch, it’s also been replaced on the official Tesla Gallery, luckily your guy here had the picture already so you could see both,:
the blue
replaced by the grey
LED headlights are still there, with Auto Adaptive High Beams; one-piece taillights on the liftgate. There are no matrix LEDs, however.
Interior: A new open concept center console, more space less storage, similar to the Cybertruck:
Image: Sawyer Merritt. Aftermarket will love this space.
Touchscreen is still 15.4’’, no rear screen:
Image: Sawyer Merritt
The glass roof is still there for Model Y, but only kind of… is it covered up from the inside? Tesla has said it makes it quieter, less vibrating, and improves HVAC performance.
From the Kim Java review video.
Kim Java learned from a Tesla engineer that, apparently, the glass is opaque, so even if you removed the textile lining on the inside, like some out there immediately thought of doing, you would not see the outside.
Joe Tegtmeyer said the primary reason for the glass look was for consistent appearance across the Model Y lineup.
To our surprise, Tesla has also found ways to remove weight and cost from under the hood. The frunk is not waterproof as it is way less sealed, and there is no drain either. Sawyer also mentioned the plastic feels significantly cheaper too, and there are surprising cavities where you can see even sound insulation and such. Perhaps that was just for the prototypes.
Screenshot from Kyle Out of Spec’s video. Sawyer also mentioned the plastic feels cheaper too.
Here’s another look on the blue one from Everyday Chris
8 exterior cameras, including a front bumper camera with a washer (needs it for FSD, eventually doesn’t it);
The seats are different: it still has heated first-row seats but with no ventilation, and they are dual-tone, with textile & vegan leather. The heated steering wheel is kept still, and the dashboard and door trims also have textile.
No HEPA filter;
No Ambient Lighting – only footwell and door pocket lights;
No AM/FM Radio. There are 7 speakers instead of 15, and no subwoofer.
There’s quite a bit of manual operation needed with the new trim, as the second-row folding seats do so manually, and you’ve now even got manual-folding mirrors. Note that this is about automatically folding only, you can still, of course, tilt them as you wish from the center screen.
The seat controls on the screen.
Talking of which, the seat control switches are removed, now adjustable from the screen, with 10-way driver and 4-way passenger seat controls. The steering rack is now manually adjustable, and manual second row air vents too.
And as for manual operation taken quite literally, there is No Autopilot included in the purchase. You get adaptive cruise control, or have to buy FSD for $8k, no middle ground. It is a bit of a weird move considering this is nothing but a software unlock, but it seems that this is another differentiator for Tesla compared to the Premium models. The Model Y Standard does have Hardware 4 (HW4).
Standard multilink suspension, similar to legacy Model Y. Interesting choice to downgrade on this driving experience…
Similar cargo room: 75 cubic feet of cargo capacity (1 less than Y Premium)
Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs; tow hitch is a $1,000 option.
Curb weight: 4,061 lbs (123 lbs lighter than Model Y Premium RWD)
Ground clearance: 6.4” (vs 6.6” on Model Y Premium)
Tesla expects to have the same safety ratings as their other Model Y trims.
New 18” wheel size (321 miles range). 19” wheels ($1,500 option) give 303 miles of range. 18" wheel cover completely covers the wheel, similar to Cybertruck’s wheel covers.
New tires with the 18” wheels have the lowest rolling resistance ever from Tesla
Here are two great review videos on the Model Y Standard:
I flew down to Giga Texas last week to get an early look at @Tesla's new Model 3 and Model Y Standard, their new more affordable models!
In this video, I give a full tour of the exterior and interior of both vehicles, showing everything that's new and or different.
— #Sawyer Merritt (#@SawyerMerritt)
6:55 PM • Oct 7, 2025
Now, let’s take a look at the M3 Standard — something that most people actually didn’t expect:
Model 3 Standard — what’s different?
With the Model 3 Standard, the story is very similar to the Model Y, with just a few caveats:
Also 321 miles of Range, also the 69 kWh battery, but goes 0-60 miles per hour in a second faster, in 5.8 seconds, and has 286hp.
The main difference for M3 is that it keeps its glass roof. Sawyer Merritt mentioned on his Space that the Tesla team didn’t want to remove it here because of less headroom in the sedan format. This also means acoustic front door glass. Tempered glass on rear doors.
The other difference is that the interior does not get the open concept change like the Y, leaving a similar look as previously, although with uncovered cupholders.
The Tesla Model 3 now comes with black badging:
M3 Standard looks, from the outside very much like the regular M3 (which is now called M3 Premium). Here are two review videos to choose from:
Tesla expects to have the same safety ratings as their other Model Y and Model 3 trims
Now, in case you are wondering if these cars are actually affordable, here’s a relevant statistic by Sam at ARK for you:
And if you want to easily compare these Tesla models and trims, go through tesla.com/compare.
Is the Tesla Model Y Standard and Model 3 Standard pricing worth it?
That’s anyone’s guess, really. It would be incredibly affordable if the federal tax credit wasn’t cut. With the credit the prices for M3 Standard would have been $29,190 and MY Standard $32,490.
But these models will certainly serve as an entry level to Tesla’s software, safety and range dominance in EVs.
One of the keys that we at EVwire notice is how much geared towards fleets this vehicle can be.
I am also not sure why some people act as if Tesla has failed them in delivering the affordable Model 3 that was promised long ago.
Did you know Elon planned the Model 3 to go for the $30k range back in… *checks notes*… 2006?
can't believe Elon said this in 2006
— #Jaan of the EVwire.com ⚡ (#@TheEVuniverse)
12:27 PM • Oct 8, 2025
Today’s $37k starting price in 2006 dollars would actually be ~$23k.
And after unveiling the Model 3 in 2016, Elon said the affordable Model 3 would start at $35k. It even got close to it over the years, but that very target back then, when adjusted for inflation for today, is $47,617.
In that case, Tesla has significantly overdelivered on this promise, as in the 2016 dollars, the Model 3 Standard of today would only cost $27k. Great analysis by @alojoh breaks down the math. Even Elon commented on it:
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