Tesla’s Cheap EVs: Missing Features, Prices, And Optimism
In a masterstroke of budget-chic, Tesla rolled out the Model Y and 3 Standard on a fine Tuesday—because who doesn’t love new car launches that aren't a Monday disaster? Priced at a 'reasonable' $39,990 and $36,990, these editions are the bargain basement versions missing Tesla's beloved Autosteer and rear screens—because who needs 'autonomy' when you can manually panic? The timing is sparkling: Elon Musk’s price cuts arrive just after the $7,500 federal tax credit expired in September, like a late coupon at the grocery checkout. Meanwhile, rivals flaunt cheaper rides like Nissan’s Leaf ($29,990) and GM’s Equinox ($35,100, no Tesla logo but crushes non-Tesla EV sales). Fiat’s 500e, a tiny $32,500 city stove-on-wheels, offers 162 miles range, perfect for transpiring daily errands or existential dread. Hyundai Kona trumbers along at $32,975 with up to 261 miles, and Toyota finally dipped a toe in electrics with the bZ SUV at $34,900, probably pending jury deliberation on EV viability. Tesla’s new 'affordable' models, less packed with fancy features than a college dorm fridge, still tone down prices only enough to tease budget buyers—reminding us all we're terrible drivers on life’s winding road.
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Tesla’s 'affordable' EVs dropped with fewer features and prices just shy of your average foul mood. Missing Autosteer? Check. Late arrival after tax credit expiry? Double check. It’s like discounted sushi days after the fridge died.
Tesla’s budget SUVs skip Autosteer like someone skipping leg day—almost impressive how they nailed being 'barebones' and not 'barely functional.'
If EV affordability was a race, Tesla’s new Model Y and 3 Standard just limped in holding the ‘participation trophy’ for ‘cheapest-but-not-cheap-enough.’
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 10/9/2025 | Author: Tom Carter
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