Tesla Model Y: Years and History
The Tesla Model Y is the newest addition to the Tesla family - it was released in 2020 as a crossover version of the Model 3 that had optional seating for seven and more cargo space. In fact, 75% of its parts come directly from the Model 3. The Standard Range Model Y was initially priced at $40K, helping to fulfill the promise of affordable electric vehicles for all - even the trendiest of soccer families - but price hikes and trim changes in 2021 have left the Model Y better positioned to compete with luxury and performance electric crossover. It can easily get 275 miles per charge although the oldest ones on the road are still shy of two years.
There have been no major redesigns to the Model Y since its initial production, but Tesla does offer over-the-air software upgrades for all their cars. The Model Y is slated for construction in Tesla's Berlin and Texas factories which should help ease the company's current 10-month delivery date for a Model Y. The Berlin factory will be piloting a new construction method that uses poured and molded aluminum, rather than attached pieces, for the frame.
What are the available Model Y trims?
There are three main trims for the Model Y, although the existence of the Standard Range Model Y remains elusive. The Standard Range was the original, $40K production model, which has been pulled from the US market a few times, only to be (rumored) available by request, unless you're looking to buy yours in China. Recurrent does have a handful of 2021 Standard Range Model Y's in our research fleet, so they probably do exist.
Other trim levels for the Model Y are the Long Range (RWD and AWD) and the Performance, both of which come with 75 kWh battery. The Performance trim eats some of the range but it provides a top speed of 155 mph and a zero to sixty time of 3.5 seconds. All versions of the Model Y are available with a class II steel tow bar good for up to 3,500 lbs and full self drive capability.
The table below represents the trims in the Recurrent community.
What type of EV is a Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y is a battery electric vehicle, or BEV. This means that it runs exclusively on electricity, which is provided by a high voltage lithium ion battery. It has zero tailpipe emissions.
