Tesla has launched a new Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant in the United States, starting at just $43,990. The Model.Y RWD appears to be different than the variant offered with the same name in Canada due to differing specs.
Last month Tesla strangely removed the Model Y AWD with 4680 cells from the Design Studio, making the Model Y Long Range the entry-level variant in the US. Now it has been replaced by a new single motor RWD variant.
According to the Design Studio the Model Y RWD starts at just $43,990, which is reduced further if you qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit. This brings the price down to $36,490, or even lower if there are additional state-level incentives.
This new variant appears to feature a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, the cheapest battery Tesla uses exclusively in its RWD vehicles. The different battery pack size and chemistry provides up to 260 miles (418km) of range, down from the 279 miles previously offered with the Model Y AWD. Acceleration has also changed, now with a 0-60mph time of 6.6 seconds, as opposed to the 5.0 seconds previously on the Model Y AWD.
Interestingly, these specs are different than the Model Y RWD sold in Canada, most notable the range of 244 miles (394km). The 0-100km/h (62mph) time is also slightly different at 6.9 seconds, but that could be accounted for because of the extra 2mph with the conversion from km/h to mph.
Tesla does not publish where each variant is made, but it is likely this Model Y RWD is built at Giga Texas. The factory was recently shut down for nearly a month for production line upgrades.
Along with this change to the Model Y for the US market, Tesla also brought back the white interior option for the Model Y in Canada.
