2026 Tesla Model Y Standard.

There it is. The long-awaited cheaper Tesla. As you can see, and as predicted by all, the “new” Tesla is just a cheaper, decontented version of the Model Y. A car that was introduced in March 2019.

The obvious changes are the redesigned front end and no light bar. , Which doesn’t necessarily look that much cheaper. And the smaller 18-inch wheels.
Otherwise, let the cost-cutting begin:

. No glass roof.

. Manula steering wheel adjustments.

. “Basic” interior (whatever that means)

. No rear screen.

. No HEPA filter.

. Textile decor (cloth seats)

. $40,000

That price is just $5000 below the loaded RWD “regular” model. At least it seems the battery is the same. The Tesla Model Y competes with more basic versions of its competition, like the VW ID. 4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, or Kia EV6.

However, much cheaper EVs are coming out. Sure, they won’t be as roomy as a Model Y, but you can get a loaded new 2026 Nissan Leaf for the price of this basic Model Y.

I personally don’t think this is what Tesla needs. The millions of potential buyers turned off by Elon Musk’s politics aren’t coming back as long as he’s in charge. And a cheaper version of your 6-year-old model is not a new car. What Tesla needed was that smaller, cheaper new car Musk canceled.

There also seems to be nothing new on the horizon. No truly new model since the cancellation. Elon Musk still believes what he said over two years ago: “demand for our existing vehicles in terms of the desire to own them might as well be infinite. It’s indistinguishable from infinite at this point. Affordability is what matters, as you get the car more affordable, demand will go crazy – basically.”

This is obviously a completely odd and incorrect point of view. And a dangerous way to run the company. As there has never been an infinite demand for Tesla cars. Or anything else for that matter.

And yet, all we get are new versions of old cars…