Tesla launches new Model Y in US, Canada and Europe

Model Y was world's best-selling car in 2023 but lost sales momentum last year

24 January 2025 - 09:36 By Reuters
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
A Tesla Model Y at the carmaker's delivery centre in Beijing, China.
A Tesla Model Y at the carmaker's delivery centre in Beijing, China.
Image: Reuters

Elon Musk's Tesla launched a new higher-priced version of the Model Y, its best-selling car, in the US, Canada and Europe on Thursday, weeks after it was first released in China.

The new Model Y, a long range all-wheel drive variant, will cost $59,990 in the US (R1.1m), according to the electric vehicle maker's US website, 25% higher than its predecessor which costs $47,990 (R883,000).

The new variant comes equipped with the supervised full self-driving software, which is an optional addition in previous Model Y cars for $8,000 (R147,000).

Tesla will begin deliveries of the new car in March.

With the launch, Tesla  lists four versions of the Model Y in the US, with the new car costing the most, and even higher than the performance variant.

The new variant also has redesigned exteriors, upgraded features inside and a slightly extended range of 515km, according to Tesla.

Tesla launched the Model Y in 2020 and it became the world's best-selling car in 2023. The ageing model lost sales momentum last year, hurt by competition from rivals in China, while in other markets demand for electric vehicles has weakened.


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.