Despite growing competition in the electric vehicle market, the Tesla Model Y remains one of the top options available. It benefits from the best charging network, offers a superior software experience, and boasts a solid range, especially in the long-range versions. Recently, the Model Y’s price has dropped to its lowest point ever, making it an excellent time to consider purchasing one.
The base price of the Tesla Model Y is currently $42,990, which is a significant reduction. This price is before applying any tax incentives. With the car being eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, you could potentially buy it for as low as $35,490.
This pricing applies to the base rear-wheel-drive model, but other versions have seen price cuts too. The long-range all-wheel-drive model, which is likely the best choice for most buyers, is now priced at $47,990. After the full tax credit, this model could cost you $40,490.
There are numerous reasons to consider buying a Model Y. For one, many major car manufacturers have committed to using Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) starting with their 2025 models. However, those vehicles are not yet available, so if you want the most reliable charging network, a Tesla is still the way to go.
The Model Y also offers impressive range. While the base model has a range of 260 miles, the long-range version extends this to 310 miles, which is quite good. The car can charge at speeds of up to 250 kilowatts, which is relatively fast. With the appropriate adapter, Tesla vehicles can also charge at non-Tesla stations. As the NACS becomes more widely adopted, many charging stations will transition to this connector, making adapters less necessary over time.
Tesla’s software experience is another highlight. Known for being responsive and well-designed, the software allows drivers to quickly and easily access the features they need. This is a significant advantage over many other vehicles, especially those from traditional automakers.
The current state of charging network support is a bit confusing. While most non-Tesla electric cars can’t access the Supercharger network now, this is expected to change soon. Automakers will gradually gain access to Superchargers, and drivers of non-Tesla vehicles will be able to use these stations with an adapter, even if their cars don’t have the NACS connector. Eventually, it is anticipated that all charging stations will switch to NACS, which means you might need an adapter more frequently if your car has a CCS connector.
It’s worth noting that Tesla vehicles have been criticized for quality control issues. Prospective buyers can usually inspect the vehicle before accepting delivery, allowing them to request fixes for any noticeable problems, such as panel gaps. However, some people believe the interior materials are not as high-quality as they should be.
There’s also a more subjective reason some people might avoid Tesla: personal disagreements with certain figures associated with the company. This is a matter of individual preference and values.
If you’re considering purchasing a Tesla Model Y, you can configure your vehicle directly on the Tesla website.