Tesla Wants to Charge Some Model Y Owners up to $2,000 to Unlock Hidden Range

If you own an entry-level rear-wheel-drive Model Y, you’re in luck because Tesla CEO Elon Musk has revealed that the “Standard Range” variant can actually go further than the EPA’s estimated range of 260 miles (418 km). However, unlocking this additional range comes at a cost.

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In a social media post, the outspoken executive said the recently discontinued entry-level variant could deliver 40 to 60 miles (64 to 97 km) of additional range, depending on the battery. Musk further said the company wants to charge $1,500 to $2,000 to unlock a feature the car already has, and they are “working on regulatory approvals to make this possible.”

More: Tesla lays off the entire 500-person Supercharger team

While asking people to unlock a battery they already own wasn’t exactly well-received, Musk said, “We have to pay the bills somehow.” This is particularly true for Tesla, as there have been a number of cuts recently , including the layoff of the Supercharger team.

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The “260-mile” Model Ys built in the last few months actually have a longer range that can be unlocked for $1,500 to $2,000 (reaches 40 to 60 miles of range), depending on what battery cells you have.

We are working on regulatory approvals to make this possible. pic.twitter.com/6d5Ntekk01

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 4, 2024

On April 19th^Th, the rear-wheel drive Model Y cost $44,990 before the federal tax credit. That’s the same price as the “new” Model Y with long-range rear-wheel drive, although the estimated range is 320 miles (515 km). For those of you who can’t do the math, the old entry-level variant can be equipped with the same range as the new variant, although owners will have to pay about $2,000 extra for the privilege.

This isn’t exactly a new strategy for Tesla, as the company has previously reduced the selection of some variants and then offered to unlock them later. The company has even unlocked the range for free to California residents fleeing wildfires.

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H/T to The Verge