is transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State.
For as long as it’s been a company, Tesla has been promising an entry-level electric vehicle that would compel more people to make the switch from gas guzzlers to zero-emission. Elon Musk himself predicted that Tesla would eventually sell a $25,000 EV and revolutionize the auto industry. The Model 3, the Model Y, and even the Cybertruck were all supposed to have more attainable variants, but they never materialized.
Now, the company says it is finally ready to release its everyman EVs. Yep, there are two of them, and they are just stripped down versions of the automaker’s best-selling models: the long-rumored Model Y Standard, which starts at $41,600 (including destination charges and fees); and the Model 3 Standard, starting at $38,640. Both vehicles are available now to order, with customer deliveries starting December 2025.
The Model Y Standard was widely expected, but the barebones Model 3 is, to my knowledge, a bit of a surprise. Tesla says both vehicles will have an estimated 321 miles of range, a 15.4-inch infotainment screen, integrated Grok-powered voice assistant, heated first row seats, heated steering wheel, and a dual-tone interior made of textile and vegan leather.
The Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard are based on the refreshed and “Highland” and “Juniper” updated models that launched in the US last year and earlier this year, respectively, but Tesla removed many standard features to lower the price. These include front and rear light bars, panoramic glass roof, power mirror folding, the second row display, and puddle lamps. The cabin lights, mood lighting, suspension, and seat controls have all been downgraded as well. The paint options are limited to the standard Stealth Gray and optional Pearl White and Diamond Black. And the 19-inch wheels are getting swapped for smaller 18-inchers.
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