Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD

Model Y Long Range RWD: Tesla’s Affordable Road Trip Champ

If you're eyeing a long-range EV without torching your bank account, the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD might be your best bet. Manufactured in the USA and first hitting the roads in 2020, this rear-wheel-drive crossover delivers solid electric punch with a starting price of $48,000 (€44,640). It slides neatly into the gap between budget EVs and premium crossovers, offering Tesla tech, a long leash on range, and everyday practicality in one sleek package.

• First introduced in 2020, the Model Y Long Range RWD is Tesla’s most range-focused budget SUV.
• Starting at $48,000 (€44,640), it makes premium EV ownership more accessible for everyday buyers.
• Made in the USA, it delivers a mix of efficiency, tech, and RWD handling in a five-door SUV layout.

Model Y Long Range RWD Specs: Practical Power and Range

Battery

Powered by a 75 kWh lithium-ion battery, this variant of the Model Y packs enough juice for up to 540 km (335 miles) on a single charge. That makes it a capable road trip companion, especially when paired with Tesla’s Supercharger network that’ll keep your pit stops short and sweet.

• Battery capacity: 75 kWh
• Range: 540 km (335 mi)
• Charging network: Tesla Supercharger compatible

Performance

It might not be a dual-motor speed demon, but the Model Y Long Range RWD still delivers respectable numbers. With 258 hp (192 kW) and 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 5.8 seconds, it’s got enough zip for everyday driving, plus a bit of extra when you want it. The top speed sits at 209 km/h (130 mph)—more than enough to make highway passes effortless.

• Power: 258 hp (192 kW)
• Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h (5.8 sec)
• Top speed: 209 km/h (130 mph)
• Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

This single-motor setup trims cost and weight, making it a great entry point for EV newcomers who still want solid real-world numbers.

Exterior and Interior: Subtle Outside, Smart Inside

Exterior

Don’t expect flash. The Model Y Long Range RWD wears its crossover skin with subtlety—five doors, flowing aerodynamic lines, and a profile that cuts through air like a paring knife. The glass roof adds style and light, while the minimal badging and flush door handles keep the look clean and modern.

Interior

Inside, it’s pure Tesla: minimal, smart, and functional. The 15-inch central touchscreen handles nearly every control, while five seats and a flat load floor make it road trip–ready. Materials are clean and durable, with enough room for passengers, pets, and Costco hauls.

Pros and Cons: Where It Shines and Where It Doesn’t

Pros

• 540 km (335 mi) range from a 75 kWh battery
• Affordable EV pricing at $48,000 (€44,640)
• Clean, tech-focused cabin with a 15-inch touchscreen
• Access to Tesla's expansive Supercharger network
• Efficient RWD layout for improved energy use

Cons

• No all-wheel drive—may affect traction in winter conditions
• Not as quick as dual-motor versions
• Fewer luxury features compared to higher-end Teslas
• Yoke steering not available in this trim

Conclusion: The Range-First Tesla That Makes Cents

The Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD is a strategic move for cost-savvy drivers who don’t want to skimp on electric performance. It balances range, comfort, and practicality without crossing into six-figure territory. If what you need is range, room, and Tesla’s tech—without the AWD tax—this Model Y might just be the smartest EV play on the market right now.