Latest Tesla news: cheap EVs and a supercar-slaying family SUV

Tesla has recently launched a couple of new models, including more basic versions of the Model 3 and Model Y with reduced price tags and a new Model Y performance which is faster than a BMW M5.

Here’s a rundown of all the latest Tesla news stories.

New Tesla Model Y Standard revealed

Tesla has been promising a new, more affordable model for years, and now it’s finally delivered. Well, sort of.

This is the new Model Y Standard, and it’s a more basic version of the brand’s SUV which is around £4,000 cheaper than the normal car. You get a simplified front and rear bumper, cloth seats and simple white ambient lighting, as well as a smaller battery which delivers up to 321 miles of range.

Prices in Europe start from 39,990 euros, which is around £35,000. There’s no sign of a UK launch yet, but if the Model Y Standard does come to the UK then expect it to cost closer to £40,000.

New Tesla Model 3 Standard revealed

Joining the new Model Y Standard is the Model 3 Standard, and it follows a similar recipe. The exterior design hasn’t changed much, apart from the smaller and more aerodynamic wheels, but inside you get cloth upholstery and a slightly different centre console.

The Model 3 Standard is only available in the United States right now, with no immediate plans to ship it to the UK or Europe. It costs 36,990 USD (£27,800), which is only 5,500 USD (£4,100) less than the normal Model 3.

New Tesla Model Y Performance

This is the new Tesla Model Y Performance, and it’s the polar opposite to the Standard. It’s the range-topping version with a sporty bodykit, upgraded suspension and, most importantly, more power.

You get two electric motors with a combined 460hp, 90hp more than the Long-Range All-Wheel Drive model, and it’ll do 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds. That’s faster than a BMW M5.

Deputy Reviews Editor Tom Wiltshire has driven the Model Y Performance, and he was impressed by how easy it was to drive quickly. The point and squirt performance makes it easy to zip out of junctions, and the suspension does a good job of keeping things in check on a twisty road.

Tesla Model 3 updates

Tesla has also made a few improvements to the Model 3 we get in the UK. It’ll now go 30 miles further on a charge for starters – with Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive versions managing up to 466 miles on a charge.

That’s almost 60 miles more than a Polestar 2, but it’s still around 20 miles short of the new Mercedes CLA Electric.

Tesla has also added another handy feature to the Model 3 – an indicator stalk. It seems bonkers that we’re praising Tesla for adding what is such a basic feature back into the car, but if it means getting rid of the infuriating haptic steering wheel buttons then we’re all for it.

New Tesla Cybercab revealed

Tesla unveiled a new self-driving taxi in October 2024 called the Cybercab. It not only looks like something from a sci-fi movie, it’s also packing some clever tech which could change public transport forever.

As well as fleets of Cybercabs operating in big cities, you’ll also be able to buy one privately to use at your leisure, but you can also rent it out using an app to make some extra cash when you don’t need it.

There are no controls inside, just two seats and a giant screen which you can use to watch movies or join video calls while the car whisks you to your destination. It’s set to cost around £23,000 when it goes on sale in 2026.

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