Tesla’s variable cruise control system, Autopilot, is also fitted. In the US, the Standard models can also be optioned with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system.
Autocar understands that a launch of the Standard models in other regions (including the UK and Europe) is planned, given the need for Tesla to turn around sales slumps in key markets such as China – previously one of its most significant.
The Standard models will initially be built in the US. Other markets don’t get Teslas built in the US, so for the car to be sold in Europe, production would need to be expanded to either Berlin, Germany, or Shanghai, China. Both factories already build both the Model Y and Model 3. The latter is unlikely, given the import tax levied on Chinese-made EVs by the EU.
The importance of the Standard models cannot be overstated: Tesla boss Elon Musk previously said the new cars were created in a bid to broaden the brand’s appeal.
This year has been difficult for Tesla. Despite introducing an updated version of the Model Y, it has struggled in China and seen its sales drop globally.
Tesla hopes the Standard will especially help to incentivise sales in the US, where president Donald Trump’s rollback of emissions mandates has included axing the $7500 government EV grant, and interest in EVs has therefore dipped.
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