Imagine a Tesla that isn't just for the tech-rich, but for those who count every euro. The new Model 3 and Model Y Standard promise a revolution: less equipment, a lower price, but still enough power to keep you glued to your seat. Is this a stroke of genius or just a cosmetic diet? Let's see, with a touch of irony – because there's something good in every car, even if it's just saving on your electricity bill.
Tesla, this visionary machine Elon Musk, which turned electric cars from a dream into a reality, is facing competition. From Chinese cheap EV to European hybrids – everyone wants a piece of the pie. That's why they introduced the Standard versions – Tesla Standard: cheaper, less equipped, but still reliable. Remember the promises of a $25,000 car? This is not it, but it's a step closer. Ironically, at a time when prices are rising like Musk's tweets, these models bring relief. Positive: finally an EV for every pocket, without sacrificing the essence – speed and range.
Model 3 Standard: A compact fast car for urban warriors
The Model 3 Standard is a sedan that retains Tesla's elegance while cutting costs. The starting price is now $38,630, about $5,500 less than the Premium RWD version. Range? 516 kilometers (321 miles) on 18-inch wheels or 487 kilometers (303 miles) on 19-inch ones. The battery has a usable capacity of 69.5 kWh - not too big, not too small, just right for everyday driving. The engine power is 212 kW (286 hp), and torque is about 436 Nm (322 lb-ft) - the exact numbers are still being verified, but the feeling will be lively, typical of Tesla.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) takes 5.8 seconds, which is faster than most petrol-powered rivals in this class. Top speed is limited to around 201 km/h (125 mph), enough for motorway cruising without madness. Charging at a Supercharger reaches up to 225 kW, which means about 280 kilometers (175 miles) in 15 minutes. Home charging at 11 kW takes around 7 hours.
Key features: rear-wheel drive (RWD), 18-inch wheels (optional 19-inch), cloth seats with vegan leather, 15.4-inch screen and glass roof. It lacks front seat ventilation, rear seat heating and a rear screen – but hey, save up for the upgrades. "This is a car for realists, not dreamers," Musk would say, if he were cynical. Positive: lighter and more efficient, ideal for the city. This is the new Tesla Standard.
Model Y Standard: An SUV for families who don't want to compromise
Model Y Standard is the SUV for those with more luggage—literally. Pricing starts at $39,990 (or $41,630 according to some sources), about $5,000 less than the Premium RWD. Range is the same: 516 kilometers (321 miles) on 18-inch wheels. Battery? 69 kWh, or 69.5 kWh usable—a bit less than the more expensive models, but still enough for panic-free family trips.
Engine output is 224 kW (300 hp), torque around 450 Nm (332 lb-ft). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) is 6.8 seconds, which is surprising for an SUV. Top speed around 217 km/h (135 mph). Charging: up to 225 kW, at home around 8 hours.
Key features: rear-wheel drive, new front grille without light strips, 18-inch wheels, cloth interior, large screen and closed glass roof for better insulation. Missing ambient lighting, rear screen and some insulation – but the trunk volume is still 854 liters (30.2 cubic feet). A cynic would say: “Where’s the luxury?” Positive: practical and affordable for families. This is the new Tesla Standard.
Technical details and compromises: what did they give up?!
Both models share a platform with improved aerodynamics – new rims reduce drag for better range. The battery is smaller (fewer cells in a parallel circuit), which lowers the price, but maintains a solid range. Charging is slightly slower (225 kW instead of 250 kW), but still fast. Tesla history: from Roadster to Cybertruck, they always optimize. These models are like the basic iPhone – they work, without the gold accessories.
Colors: White, black or gray only (gray free). Sound system: 7 speakers instead of 15. Compromises? Yes, but positive: less weight, better efficiency.
List of things they abandoned: Less bling-bling, but still drivable
Tesla's Standard models have cut costs by removing unnecessary extras that many drivers don't even miss—at least not until they try them out in a more expensive model. Here's a detailed list, based on the differences between the three, as outlined by sources like Edmunds and Car and Driver:
- Rear passenger screen: In the more expensive models, there is an 8-inch rear screen for passenger entertainment. The Standard doesn't have one - the kids will have to watch out the window. Positive: fewer distractions for the driver.
- Rear seat heating and front seat ventilation: A luxury for cold winters and hot summers. They ditched it to save money. Ironically: in an electric car that's as quiet as a grave, you might hear complaints from behind. But hey, the basic heated front seats remain.
- Manually adjustable steering wheel: the steering wheel, which you now have to adjust manually.
- Premium audio system: The more expensive trims have 17 speakers or more; the Standard has just 7. The music is still solid, but it won't be a concert hall on wheels. Positive: less weight, better range.
- Ambient lighting and additional insulation: Lacks interior LED ambient lighting and extra soundproofing. The car is quieter than older Teslas, but not as luxurious as higher trims.
- Basic Autopilot or advanced driving aids: Advanced Autopilot is not included as standard; that's an option for an additional fee. Basic safety remains, but without the "self-driving" luxury. So just cruise control.
- Bigger battery and faster charging: The battery is smaller (around 69 kWh instead of 75-82 kWh in Long Range), which means a shorter range (around 516 km instead of 600+ km) and a lower max charging power (225 kW instead of 250 kW). Acceleration is slower: 5.8 seconds for Model 3 (instead of 4.2 in Performance) and 6.8 for Model Y.
- Additional aesthetic and functional details: No full front light bar, fewer color options for free, no heated wipers or other “premium” extras. The wheels are 18-inch instead of 19- or 20-inch.
- Panoramic roof on Model Y: It has modified glass (cheaper) and interior insulation and wallpaper. So the car has glass on the outside, but it is covered.
Conclusion: Tesla Standard is a rational choice
Personally, I think these models are well balanced: they offer a solid range of 516 kilometers, fast charging up to 225 kW, and capabilities that surpass most traditional vehicles in this price range – from $38,630 for the Model 3 to around (39,990) 41,990 for the Model Y. This is not a revolutionary change, but a thoughtful step forward that makes electric mobility more accessible without major setbacks. If you are looking for a reliable, environmentally friendly car for everyday use, they are worth considering. They may not impress with luxury, but they will get the job done efficiently. What about you? Would you choose such a compromise? Share your thoughts in the comments. EU prices are not yet known!
