Is the Model Y ‘Standard’ finally the affordable Tesla promised so long ago?

There’s a new entry-level Tesla. But it is not – despite many years of speculation – a ‘Model 2’. Tesla has long promised it would democratise the EV by starting off with an executive saloon (the Model S) then working its way down via the Model 3 and Model Y crossovers to create a true ‘EV for the people’. Then it got distracted and built a weird truck.

What we have instead is this: the new Model Y Standard. And when we say ‘what we have’… we don’t have it. Not in Britain, and not even in Europe. So far, this is a US-only offering, priced from $39,990.

The Model Y Standard is as cheap as a Model Y gets, and with Tesla getting cold feet on the idea of a $25,000 ‘Model 2’ and replacing it with its Robotaxi idea, this is likely to remain the entry point to Tesla ownership for some time. So, what do you get?

Well, the most efficient Model Y ever, we’re told. Riding on 18in wheels, the US market range estimate is some 321 miles. No word if the new front and rear bumpers make the Standard slipperier through the air than the existing Model Y, or the new Performance version we test drove recently.

It certainly doesn’t sound as though the touchscreen is full of greyed-out barred features you need a pesky VW-style subscription to access.

Said Tesla: “The latest addition to the Model Y lineup comes standard with an extensive suite of features, including remote mobile app access, Trip Planner with real-time Supercharger availability, and a variety of gaming and entertainment options. Phone Key, Remote Climate Control, Sentry Mode, Dog Mode, and all the Tesla signature features are included.”

Presumably that also means an angry mob of protesters and the ever-present fear of being keyed. No wonder Sentry Mode stuck around.

As recently as 2023 the Model Y dominated worldwide car sales charts, but it’s lost a tonne of ground as US EV tax-breaks ended, while Trump tariffs, anti-Elon sentiment and Tesla’s lack of new features compared to swathes of younger newcomers have also hurt sales.

So, is this the moment Tesla ends its troubled year and heads back to the top of the EV pile?