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Cheaper Tesla Model Ys are on the way.
The company is anticipating non-Launch Editions of the updated Model Y to be available soon in Australia after revealing three Long Range All-Wheel Drive variants will be on display at the Everything Electric show in Sydney this weekend.
Prices of the non-Launch Edition variants are expected to be more affordable than the current Rear-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive Launch Edition grades, which have been priced at $63,400 and $73,400 (both at before on-road costs), respectively, ahead of deliveries in May.
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The previous entry-level Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive started at $55,900, before on-road costs, while the Long Range All-Wheel drive was priced at $69,900, before on-road costs.
Non-Launch Edition variants are likely to carry less standard features than the Launch Edition variants in support of their reduced price tags.
That means they will likely lose the power tailgate, puddle lights, doorsill plates, Launch Edition badging and complimentary premium paint, along with the acceleration boost feature on the Launch Edition AWD – which is typically a paid software upgrade.
Customers will have the opportunity to get up close to the new model, which was imported into Australia specifically for the event. A Cybertruck will also be on display.
The brand also confirmed allocations for the cheapest Rear-Wheel Drive Launch Edition variant in Australia have already been exhausted, as was previously speculated by CarsGuide following the removal of the car from its local website.
Interest in the All-Wheel Drive Long Range Launch Edition variant is also said to be high.
A boost in sales couldn’t come any sooner for Tesla, which has seen its sales fall 65.6 per cent in Australia this year to date, driven by a 71.9 per cent drop in sales last February compared to the previous year. Tesla sold 1592 vehicles last month compared to 5665 the year prior.
Some have pointed the finger at the controversial politics of CEO Elon Musk, as the brand also registered a significant sales decline in Europe. Customers are also holding out for the updated Model Y – the brand’s best-selling model.
Chinese EV rival BYD is nipping at its heels in the Australian and global markets, having registered a 38.4 per cent sales increase locally compared to last February, equivalent to 3956 sales.
That said, sales were mostly attributable to its new Shark 6 Plug-in Hybrid ute, despite its Tesla Model Y competitor, the Sealion 7, showing strong early sales results.
More information on the Tesla Model Y, including further pricing and specifications, is expected following its official unveiling at Everything Electric this weekend.
