When Tesla was introducing its Model 3, it made a big deal about eventually offering a US$35,000 ($47,500) model for the masses. Now, that model is dead.
Electrek reports the 2021 Model 3 refresh has spelled the end of the base Standard Range, which was only offered as a “secret menu item” of sorts.
The Standard Range was introduced in the USA in 2019, around two years after deliveries of the Model 3 began.
Only briefly listed on Tesla’s website, it was effectively a Standard Range Plus with some features software-locked and US$3000 shaved off the price tag.
That meant prospective customers needed to ask for one over the phone or at a Tesla store.
Tesla has reportedly told its staff this secret menu Standard Range won’t be possible with the updated 2021 Model 3, though existing 2020 Standard Range Plus models can be downgraded.
Opting for the Standard Range reduced range by 48km to 354km, while the base model also had some cost-cutting measures like the removal of the front fog lights and rear speakers.
The Standard Range also had Autopilot as a US$3000 option instead of standard as in the Standard Range Plus which, at US$3000 more itself, made the Standard Range rather pointless if you wanted Tesla’s proper active driver assists.
Tesla didn’t offer the Standard Range here, instead opening the range with the rear-wheel drive Standard Range Plus.
For 2021, it’s gotten $6000 cheaper. It now starts at $66,900 before on-road costs, while the all-wheel drive Long Range and Performance are $81,900 and $90,900 before on-roads, respectively.
It produces 211kW of power and has a 54kWh battery pack, good for 490km of range on the NEDC test cycle (402km on the US EPA cycle, 430km on the WLTP).