Tesla unveils new low-cost Model Y Standard in bid to boost waning electric car sales

Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 05/12/2025

- 12:19

The UK and Europe release comes two months after it was launched in the United States

Tesla has unveiled its new Model Y Standard, the latest addition to the line-up of electric vehicles, as the Elon Musk-led brand looks to boost sales across Europe.

The Tesla Model Y Standard is the more affordable variant of the best-selling electric SUV and is available in the UK after launching today.


The Standard has a top speed of 110mph, a 0-60mph acceleration time of 6.9 seconds and an impressive 314-mile battery range.

Drivers looking to get their hands on the new Tesla model will pay £41,990, £7,000 cheaper than the Premium Model Y.

Alternatively, motorists can get the new Model Y Standard for £299 per month through a Personal Contract Purchase car finance offer.

The affordable Model 3 is also well suited to families, with 682 litres of trunk space, which can be expanded to a staggering 1,741 litres when the rear seats are folded.

It also comes equipped with the famed 15.4-inch central touchscreen, complete with music apps, maps and even "Camp Mode" to turn the car into a cosy setting.

The American manufacturing giant has also rolled out Tesla Theatre mode, as well as Caraoke, allowing drivers and passengers to perform on journeys.

The new Tesla Model Y Standard\u200b

The new Tesla Model Y Standard

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TESLA

The Model Y Standard benefits from rapid charging capabilities, with motorists able to add 162 miles of range in just 15 minutes.

Drivers across the UK can order the Model Y Standard now, with test drivers beginning in January 2026.

Tesla launched the Model Y Standard in the United States in October for a much cheaper price tag of $36,990 or £27,728.

It comes as Tesla aims to compete with Chinese manufacturers who are selling low-cost and technologically advanced electric vehicles across Europe.

The new Tesla Model Y Standard\u200b

The new Tesla Model Y Standard will start from £41,990

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TESLA

The new Tesla Model Y Standard\u200b

The new Tesla Model Y Standard has an impressive battery range of 314 miles

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TESLA

While Tesla remains the best-selling electric car brand in the UK, it has seen its market share shrink in recent months as European and Chinese brands increase their offering of affordable EVs.

The latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that Tesla has sold 39,227 cars this year, worth a total market share of 2.09 per cent.

This is a near six per cent drop in new vehicle registrations compared to the same time last year, while brands like BYD have seen sales flourish, with 43,740 vehicles sold this year.

Despite only being in the UK for a little over a year, BYD has quickly become a major player across the market. It has seen a huge 488 jump in sales year-on-year.