Elon Musk’s automaker launched the Model Y and 3 Standard on Tuesday, after teasing more affordable models for years.
The stripped-back models come without marque Tesla features like Autosteer and rear screens and are around $5,000 cheaper than the classic Model Y and 3.
A lack of affordable electric cars has been a key barrier to EV adoption, and Tesla’s new models — which start at $36,990 — come as many of its rivals push to roll out their own cheaper vehicles.
Nissan unveiled a refresh of the Leaf, one of the first ever mass-market electric vehicles, earlier this year. Starting at $29,990, it’s the cheapest EV on the market in the US.
Chevy Equinox
Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Equinox, built by Tesla’s Detroit rival General Motors, starts at $35,100 in the US.
The all-electric crossover SUV has been a sales hit since launching last year, with GM saying July was the best month of sales for a non-Tesla EV ever.
Fiat 500e
Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images
Fiat only sells one vehicle in the US, and it’s this tiny 2-door electric city car.
The Fiat 500e will cost you $32,500 and only comes with around 162 miles of range, but it’s one of the few small electric hatchbacks available in the US.
Hyundai Kona
John Keeble/Getty Images
Hyundai has one of the largest selections of EVs to choose from in the US, and the Kona is its most affordable battery-powered option.
Customers can pick up the compact SUV, which has a range of up to 261 miles depending on the trim, from as little as $32,975.
Toyota bZ
Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images
Toyota has taken a back seat to the EV race, largely choosing to bet on hybrids instead — but the Japanese brand’s lone all-electric offering in the US is one of the cheapest options on the market.
The bZ SUV starts at around $34,900, compared to Tesla’s Model Y Standard, which costs $39,990.
