Model Y Standard Range - When? Why?

It is no secret that Tesla prides itself on selling only the most efficient cars on the market. With technology that is improving every day, Tesla ensures that their vehicles remain at the top of the charts when it comes to meeting certain driving standards. So, why is the Model Y Standard Range off the menu?

According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the Model Y Standard Range was discontinued because it simply did not meet the criteria that Tesla was looking for. Mainly because of its reduced mileage range, the Model Y Standard Range is not as good of a car as the Long Range or Performance Model Ys.

Continue reading to learn more about the specifics involving the discontinuation of the Model Y Standard Range. You might also be curious about other Model Y options and whether or not they would be a good fit for you. As you probably know, all Tesla models are exceptional cars, but some might strike your fancy more than others.

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Discontinuation Of Model Y Standard Range

In early 2021, Tesla customers were confused when they realized that the Tesla Model Y Standard Range was not available for purchase online. Without a clear explanation from Tesla, the Standard Range version of the Model Y seemed to disappear. This led to questions about the quality of the vehicles Tesla was producing.

Soon after this panic set in, Tesla CEO Elon Musk was quick to reassure Tesla customers that the problem was not that Tesla vehicles were being produced with lower standards, but that the Model Y Standard Range, in particular, did not meet the expectations that Tesla aims for.

After attempting to create a simpler version of the Model Y, Tesla realized that reducing performance capabilities was not an ideal way to keep their reputation as the most efficient, safest car manufacturer in the world. Additional things to consider regarding the Model Y Standard Range include:

It has gone through EPA certification
Existing models are still available offline, through in-person or over-the-phone orders
The mileage range on a full charge for a Model Y Standard Range is 244 miles

Though these factors may not seem related, they all give reason as to why the Model Y Standard Range was discontinued or why it is not an altogether bad car. For example, the Model Y Standard Range has been EPA certified, meaning that the Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed that the vehicle meets necessary requirements that validate its improvement of the environment. While EPA certification is not always of the utmost importance for traditional cars, an electric car being certified shows that it is made to perform with the highest efficiency.

So, the Standard Range model is not bad in the sense of environmental protection. It was not discontinued for any reason questioning its ability to reduce one’s carbon footprint. In fact, while supplies last, existing Standard Range Model Ys are still available offline, through in-person situations like a Tesla showroom or over-the-phone consultations with a Tesla specialist.

The main reason the Tesla Model Y Standard Range was discontinued is that its mileage range on a full charge was only 244 miles. When looking at other models, this is relatively low. The Model Y Long Range has a mileage range of 326 miles, while the Model Y Performance model has a mileage range of 303 miles.

According to CEO Elon Musk, anything under 250 miles of range on a full charge does not meet Tesla’s standards. So, Tesla decided the best move was to stop manufacturing this specific model.

However, you might be wondering why existing models are still available for purchase. Well, consider the prices of each model.

Model	Price (Approximately)
Tesla Model Y Standard Range	$41,200
Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD	$53,000
Tesla Model Y Performance	$61,000

As you can see, the Standard Range model is considerably less expensive than the other two models. Existing Standard Range models are still available because they provide a more affordable option for those wanting to save as much money as they can. While increasing prices are also evidence of additional features for performance and leisure, a lower price for an almost identical vehicle can be enticing.

Will The Standard Range Model Y Ever Come Back?

There are a few situations that might influence the rebirth of the Model Y Standard Range. Keep in mind, however, that these are popular theories, so they may not have as much concrete reassurance as you might be looking for.

Improved Model

One instance in which the re-emersion of the Tesla Model Y Standard Range might occur is if the current model is simply developed more. As said before, it was discontinued because its mileage range was only 244 miles, which does not meet Tesla’s preference of 250+ miles. With some adjustments, Tesla might be able to improve the Standard Range Model Y and put it back on the market.

This is not as simple as it might seem, however. Although Tesla is arguably the most sophisticated car manufacturer in the world, feats such as this are hard to accomplish. The Standard Range Model Y has a much lighter battery than the other models. This gives reason to why its mileage capacity is not as large. Without making the battery heavier, it is unlikely that Tesla will be able to improve the model without making it too similar to the existing models online.

The lighter battery does, however, make the Standard Range Model Y more enticing. It makes it one of the – if not the topmost efficient SUVs in the world. Even when compared to other EV manufacturers, the SUV-styled Tesla is oftentimes more efficient than competing sedans. So, for someone with a family who wants a Tesla and does not typically drive long distances, the Model Y Standard Range is a great choice.

Unfortunately, as said earlier, there is not any concrete evidence supporting a comeback for the Stand Range Model Y, so it might be best not to get your hopes up.

New US EV Tax Credit

Another probable but less-than-likely reason the Tesla Model Y Standard Range might show up again is in response to a possible new United States Electric Vehicle tax credit bill. With the existence of this bill, electric vehicle customers will receive an incentive tax credit in an attempt to convince more people to go electric and reduce the carbon footprint left by traditional gas-powered cars.

Additionally, this bill might have a price cap set so that the tax credit incentive can only be applied to certain electric vehicles. It would be likely that companies like Tesla would have to produce a range of cars offered at a much lower price than some of their existing vehicles. Thus, this might give a reason for the Standard Range Model Y to reemerge as an online Tesla vehicle.

Again, a circumstance like this comes with many other factors that might make the process a bit more confusing. You are here for Tesla, not the politics, right? In any case, it is best not to rely too heavily on the probability of these things happening. If they do end up happening, your choice is still up to what works best for you and your situation.

Is The Range Capacity That Big Of A Deal?

When learning that the Standard Range Model Y was discontinued because of its 244-mile battery range, you might be wondering if this is a relevant enough reason to stop producing a car. In Tesla’s eyes, it is, and their reasoning is pretty understandable.

In at least the past decade, Tesla has made a name for itself as the most sophisticated car manufacturer ever. It has gone to extreme lengths to produce the most efficient, technologically advanced vehicles in the world. So, if they make a car that does not meet their previous standards, it makes sense that they would not want to keep it online.

Yes, they might get more money from selling a larger range of cars, but that does not parallel Tesla’s values.

In their mission statement, they say, “Tesla continues to make products accessible and affordable to more and more people, ultimately accelerating the advent of clean transport and clean energy production.”

They stay focused on the customer in terms of safety and satisfaction while also providing a healthier environment for all. While a car like the Model Y Standard Range is exceptionally better than most other cars, it does not live up to Tesla’s belief that its products must meet the highest potential.

To sum everything up, the range capacity is that big of a deal to Tesla. You may not think so, but that is the way it happens to be. If you are dead-set on finding and purchasing a Model Y Standard Range Tesla, it is up to you to find it. It is not a bad car to have, but the effort required to locate one, plus the disadvantages compared to other Tesla models, is relevant.

It Is Only 6 Miles Away From A 250-Mile Range

This is true, but when Tesla stated that they want all of its cars at a 250-mile range or better, Tesla meant it. They do not keep a car on the market to satisfy a small percentage of customers. Their ideals rest on keeping each and every one of their customers as safe and satisfied as possible.

In terms of efficiency, six miles can be a big difference. With constant driving, the decrease in range of the Model Y Standard Range will add up over time, resulting in a failed attempt to achieve what could have been. With that said, you will be spending more money on battery power over time. Tesla keeps the financial capabilities of their customers in mind as well.

Especially considering the mileage capacities of some of their other vehicles, people should not be overly upset that the Model Y Standard Range is not available online. Yes, other models may cost more money, but the benefits of driving a Tesla with better performance capabilities far outweigh the price drop of the Standard Rane Model Y.

Why Range Is Of The Utmost Importance

To get into the specifics of the way the Standard Range Model Y does not meet Tesla’s preferred criteria, you should learn about the way the lithium-ion battery pack works. The size of the battery pack determines how many batteries are used. With the Standard Range model, the battery pack is smaller, meaning that there are fewer batteries.

With fewer batteries, your car will not be able to convert as much energy into power, meaning that the mileage range is lower. The reason Tesla vehicles have proven so successful is that Tesla has found the perfect equilibrium between the amount of lithium-ion batteries and the weight of the battery pack.

The battery pack does more than just give a couple of hundred miles of driving range. The entire base of a Tesla vehicle is made of the battery pack, which adds to the great safety ratings of all Tesla vehicles. With the most precise crumple formation on impact, the battery pack is the result of the majority of success surrounding Tesla safety.

With the Model Y Standard Range having fewer batteries and thus a smaller battery pack, this can pose a safety risk. The base of a Standard Range, therefore, may not be as capable of protection as other models. So, while the decreased size of the battery pack increases efficiency to the highest extent, you lose safety features.

While efficiency is at the top of the list of Tesla’s concerns, customer safety is higher. Comparatively, their cars are efficient enough. It seems reasonable that they would rather focus on the safety aspect of things.

Other Model Y Models

If you decide that the trouble of finding a Standard Range Model Y is not worth it, you might be considering one of the other two Model Y models available online. If you have the means, it is certainly an exciting path to take. So, if you want a Model Y, which version should you choose?

If you do not know a lot about cars, particularly Tesla vehicles, it can be difficult to recognize any differences in the Long Range Model Y vs. the Performance Model Y. Besides the price tag, the two cars are almost identical. In some cases, a customer might choose the less expensive option for affordability, while someone else might choose the more expensive option for the apparent advantages.

Whatever you choose, it is a good idea to at first get some insight into what each car offers. Starting with the Model Y Long Range, think of it as the base model for the Model Y. Yes, the Standard Range is the actual “base” model, but since it has been discontinued, the Long Range Model Y has taken its place.

The Model Y Long Range model has a 4.8 second 0-60 mph time with 326 miles of range, showing both acceleration performance and long-distance capabilities. With dual-motor all-wheel drive and seating up to seven people, you can be sure that your Long Range model will get you from point A to point B, even with a packed car. One main distinction that makes the mileage range higher for the Long Range model is that its tires are either 19 or 20 inches.

For the Model Y Performance model, you can expect higher short-distance performance with a minor disadvantage in the long-range category. With 21-inch tires, you can expect tread to cause a bit less of a mileage range of 303 miles on a full charge. However, with decreased suspension and a dual-motor, 456 horsepower combination, the Performance model can go from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

Unless you are planning on taking your Model Y to the racetrack, you might not deem it necessary to go for the Performance option. Of course, if you have the means and are willing to pay more money for increased benefits, that is a perfectly valid reason to go for the more expensive option.

In either case, any Model Y is a great Tesla vehicle for family and friends, with ample space for passengers and cargo. In addition, if you are looking for an even higher-performing vehicle, you might want to check out the Tesla Model X. In short, it is basically the luxury version of a Model Y.

Takeaway

The discontinued Model Y Standard Range Tesla has advantages and disadvantages, but now, you might be more likely to understand why it is no longer available online. Whether it starts being produced again is up to Tesla’s actions and outside influences that are out of your control.

If you really want a Tesla, there are plenty of options to choose from. Just because the Model Y Standard Range has its advantages does not mean it is the best Tesla car. Arguably, every other Tesla vehicle has similar advantages plus more that will make your driving experience better than ever.