Tesla has launched a new “Standard” Model Y Long Range in Europe and a non-long range version in Canada, bringing another more affordable version of its best-selling electric SUV to these markets.
The simultaneous launch in the two markets separated by an ocean is due to Model Y vehicles in Canada actually coming from Europe.
Tesla’s trim name-scheming is starting to get a bit complicated.
Last quarter, after losing the EV tax credit in the US, Tesla launched a new ‘Standard’ stripped-down or (decontented) version of the Model Y.
It basically removed a bunch of features found in the previous now called “Premium” version and gave a lower sticker price.
It brought the version to Europe quickly, but now Tesla is also introducing a new ‘Long Range’ version of the decontented Model Y:
Model Y Standard in Canada: The Giga Berlin connection
The biggest news is arguably in Canada, where the Model Y Standard starts at just $49,990 CAD.
That is a massive price drop compared to the Long Range AWD ‘Premium’ version, which starts significantly higher. For context, $49,990 CAD is roughly $35,000 USD, which is an incredibly competitive price point for a vehicle of this segment.
The specs for the Canadian Model Y Standard are:
- Range: 463 km (est.)
- 0-100 km/h: 7.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 201 km/h
- Powertrain: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Here’s the new Model Y lineup in Canada:
What is particularly interesting here is the logistics. We’ve confirmed that these vehicles are being imported from Gigafactory Berlin, rather than Tesla’s factories in California or Texas.
Why shipping cars across the Atlantic instead of shipping them north? It’s all about tariffs. With the recent trade complications between the US and Canada regarding EV imports, Tesla is bypassing the issue entirely by sourcing the vehicles from Germany.
Model Y Standard Long Range in Europe
Now, hold on to your hat because Tesla’s trim name-scheme is starting to get complicated. Even though they are just 3 Model Y trims in Canada, there are now 5 in Europe:
In Europe, the “Standard” was already launched in early October, shortly after the US launch, but now Tesla is adding a new ‘Standard Long Range’, which is basically the same “decontented” car without many features, but a bigger battery pack.
The specs for the European version (WLTP standard) are:
- Range: 657 km (WLTP)
- 0-100 km/h: 7.2 seconds
- Price: €44,990
What about what you are missing in the “standard” Model Y, long range or not? Here’s a quick list:
- No rear screen
- Fewer speakers
- Smaller wheels
- Slower acceleration
- No ambient lights
- Textile seats without ventilation or second-row seat heating
- Lesser suspension
- Less sound dampened glass
- A covered-up glass roof
Electrek’s Take
First off, the pricing in Canada is excellent. At $49,990 CAD, the Model Y is now cheaper than the average gas car price in the country. It is arguably a better price than in the US.
On top of it, since the vehicle comes from Europe rather than from the US, Canadian buyers are going to get FM radio and Autopilot as standard.
When it comes to the ‘Standard Long Range’ version in Europe, I think that’s a direct response to competition. Tesla is getting squeezed on all sides in Europe and it needs to find a solution.
As I reported earlier this week, even its factory in Germany is currently under threat.
In Europe, Tesla is starting to feel a lot of pressure on the top end of the Model Y lineup with the new BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC EV hitting the market.
On the lower-end, you have Chinese automakers putting pressure. It looks like Tesla felt the need to add a cheaper model with more range.
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