Tesla now offers new, more affordable options for customers who need less range. On its two most costly models, the electric car carmaker has returned the “standard range” trim level, which reduces the price by $10,000 and the range of an EV by about 80 miles.
With this new option, the Model S now has a starting price of $78,490 and a range of 320 miles, while the Model X now has a starting price of $88,490 and a range of 269 miles. For the Model S, this is a reduction from $88,490 with a range of 405 miles; for the Model X, this is a reduction from $98,490 with a range of 348 miles.
In 2021, when Tesla began offering only the Plaid kits with a longer range and high performance, this trim choice was previously eliminated.
According to the Model S and Model X product pages, the new Standard Range trim weighs the same as the extended range option. This suggests that the vehicles share a battery pack and that a software lock regulates the range. Tesla might let customers pay the price difference to unlock more range after the initial purchase.
This is the most recent in a string of international price changes made by Tesla over the previous 12 months that have caused a drop in gross margins. Over the previous year, the manufacturer reduced the Model Y and Model 3 costs multiple times.
The more expensive Model S and Model X also experienced price drops. This most recent change differs from earlier ones in that Tesla has always kept the price and range of a vehicle low to make it available at a lower price.