The Model Y Long Range RWD variant, which we have known in Europe since spring, is now officially available in North America. For us here, this is particularly interesting as a market signal: Tesla uses the rear-wheel drive concept to make range and price more attractive – this time for US customers.
What changes in the USA?
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Price: 44,990 USD (before tax credit).
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Range (EPA): 526 km / 326 mi – identical to the EU version.
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Equipment: Premium interior including 15-speaker sound system; so not a "budget model".
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0–60 mph: 7.9 s – slightly slower than the AWD counterpart, but more efficient.
Why is this relevant for European drivers?
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Global pricing strategy – Tesla's US launch confirms that the RWD concept takes on the role of the price/range winner worldwide.
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Product alignment – Hardware and software updates will be rolled out more synchronously in the future; future improvements (e.g., charging performance) are likely to quickly flow into the EU model as well.
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Comparison data – The EPA range helps to better relate our WLTP figures (574 km); real-world values usually lie in between.
Technical specifications at a glance
| Feature | EU Variant (WLTP) | US Variant (EPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 574 km | 526 km |
| Charging Boost* | 271 km in 15 min | 250 km in 15 min |
| 0‑100 km/h / 0‑60 mph | 5.9 s | 7.9 s |
| Drive | Rear | Rear |
* Fast charging at V3/V4 Supercharger
Classification for the D-A-CH Region
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No change in the EU configurator: The RWD model remains available for order in this country – price currently from 45,970 €.
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Performance variant open: We are still waiting for the refresh performance model in Europe; Tesla's USA launch is likely to confirm the roadmap.
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Tariff discussion for North America: Canada and Mexico must wait for now; import tariffs are slowing things down there – in the EU, the issue is already resolved thanks to local production (Giga Berlin).
Conclusion
For German Tesla fans, the US launch means one thing above all: Same technology, new market. This confirms the trend that Tesla is increasingly focusing on rear-wheel drive long-range versions worldwide to optimally balance efficiency and costs – good to see that we didn't have to wait in Europe this time.
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