Tesla Introduces Range Upgrades for Model Y RWD in the U.S.
Tesla has officially started providing range enhancements for the now-discontinued Model Y rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles in the United States. This development comes a few months after the company announced plans to improve the range of its electric vehicles (EVs).
In May, Tesla replaced the former RWD Model Y with a new RWD Long Range version. Following this, CEO Elon Musk promised that range upgrades would soon be available for those who owned the outgoing entry-level Model Y. True to his word, Tesla has now introduced an “energy boost” range upgrade option for RWD Model Y owners.
The upgrades were rolled out on Friday through Tesla’s mobile app. These range-enhancing add-ons offer either 30 or 50 miles of extra range, depending on the type of batteries installed in the vehicle. Owners can now purchase a software-locked 30-mile range upgrade for $1,000, while a 50-mile enhancement is available for $1,600.
Here’s how you can activate this upgrade:
1. Open the Tesla App.
2. Navigate to Upgrades > Software Updates > Buy > Energy Boost.
Tesla North America highlighted the benefits on their official Twitter account, emphasizing that this software update allows Model Y RWD owners to travel significantly farther on a single charge.
Although Musk had initially suggested that the range improvements would offer between 40 and 60 miles for a cost of $1,500 to $2,000, the actual upgrades are slightly less but still valuable for those eager to extend their vehicle’s range.
In addition to these enhancements, Tesla has already launched the Model Y RWD Long Range as the new base-level option for their electric SUV lineup, offering approximately 320 miles per charge. These software-locked upgrades will significantly boost the earlier Model Y RWD units, bringing them closer in performance to the newer models.
This announcement comes amid ongoing speculation about an upcoming Model Y “Juniper” refresh. Despite persistent rumors, both Tesla and Musk have confirmed that this new model will not be introduced this year. However, a refreshed version with a simplified design, similar to the recent Model 3 update, is expected eventually.
In other news, Tesla has also introduced a new Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant, priced under $35,000.
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William Kouch, Editor of Electric Vehicles for Automotive.fyi
15 Comments
Wow this is so great! Now my old Tesla can go even furthr. Thanks Elon! 🥳👍
More money for less range than promised? Typical. Just another way to get cash out of us 🙄
So if i want 50 more miles its $1600? Technology always advance. Good to know!
Ha, only Elon could sell air and call it an upgrade. What’s next a software update for faster windows?
30 miles for 1000 bucks? What a deal, my car can almost make it to the next charging station! 😂
Wow… finaly we get some more miles! Thx Tesla! This is awesome news.
Ya, i agree! More range for my car for just some cash is cool.
This such a ripoff! $1600 for 50 miles? Elon is robbing us.
Ya itz too much money, but atleast we getting sumthing.
Maybe but still better than nothing if you need more range.
They said 40-60 miles but now its only 30-50, come on Tesla make up ur mind!
Oh great, another upgrade for a car I can’t affor yet lol
lol same here, all these upgrades and i still cant buy one
Just need to win the lottery i guess haha.
So happy to hear this! My Model Y gonna go more distance now.