Tesla Just Made The Cheapest Model 3 Irrelevant
Tesla’s lowest-priced model isn’t the cheapest one to buy anymore.
The electric automaker has just announce the launch of a new Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive trim priced at $42,490, which slots it above the entry-level $38,990 Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3. (Prices do not include the mandatory delivery fee.)
The Long Range RWD is rated to go 363 miles between charges and can accelerate to 50 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the standard RWD’s figures are listed at 272 miles and 5.8 seconds. Choosing the $1,000 19-inch wheel option drops those ranges to 322 miles and 248 miles.
However, the standard RWD is equipped with a battery pack that’s imported from China, which disqualifies it from the federal tax credit for electric vehicle purchases, while the Long Range RWD’s battery meets the criteria and makes the car eligible for the full $7,500 credit. The incentive is subject to personal income limits, however.
TESLA MODEL Y TOPS CARS.COM’S 2024 AMERICAN-MADE INDEX AS BRAND TIES HONDA WITH 3 TOP 10 VEHICLES
Applying the credit drops the price of the Long Range RWD to $34,990, making it a no-brainer for shoppers who can claim it. Even without it, the Long Range RWD is now the lowest-priced electric vehicle with a range that’s more than 350 miles between charges.
Tesla delivered 443,956 vehicles worldwide in the second quarter or 2024, which was a 4.8% drop from the same period in 2023 and followed an 8.5% drop during the first quarter, so it’s not that surprising to see it shuffling its lineup. But while its mainstream cars are starting to see reduced demand, the Cybertruck is just picking up steam.
Tesla delivered 8,755 in the second quarter, making it the best-selling electric pickup truck ahead of the Ford F-150 Lightning. It was also the best-selling of all vehicles priced above $100,000 for the month of June, according to Kelly Blue Book.
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