Tesla Aims for a New Range Milestone, Inching Closer to a 'Round-the-World' EV

Tesla continues to refine its best-selling crossover. Following the release of the base Model Y Standard, the company has reconfigured its lineup, renaming the former Long Range versions as the Premium RWD and Premium AWD. The key upgrade is a new 84 kWh battery from LG Energy Solution, already available in the Premium AWD model. This battery boosts the all-wheel-drive version's range to 391 miles (WLTP), surpassing the previous range of the rear-wheel-drive model.

Now, Tesla is preparing a similar update for the Model Y Premium RWD. According to Auto Plus, the new battery will enable the rear-wheel-drive version to achieve an estimated 429-435 miles (WLTP) on 19-inch wheels. Even with larger 20-inch wheels, the crossover is expected to deliver around 411 miles—a significant jump from its current 387-mile rating.

Following the pattern of the AWD update, performance figures are expected to remain unchanged: a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph. Charging capabilities will also stay the same, with the ability to add up to 165 miles of range in 15 minutes at a Supercharger.

Against its competitors, Tesla maintains a price advantage. A Model Y with a potential 435-mile range is significantly more affordable than rivals like the BMW iX3, which carries a price tag of nearly $75,000. However, in Europe, the brand is facing a slowdown. From January through September, its sales fell by almost 39%, even as the overall European EV market grew by more than 38%.