Tesla has eliminated the Texas-built, entry-level Mannequin Y AWD trim from its on-line configurator in america. As common when one thing like this occurs, the corporate hasn’t supplied a proof for the transfer.

Recognized merely because the Mannequin Y AWD or the Mannequin Y from Texas – not Normal Vary or Lengthy Vary – it was additionally the most cost effective Mannequin Y obtainable with a beginning MSRP of $49,130 (together with $1,390 vacation spot price), earlier than choices and incentives.

Now, Tesla’s US configurator exhibits solely the Mannequin Y Lengthy Vary and Mannequin Y Efficiency, that are each made on the Fremont Manufacturing facility in California.

Whereas it is common for Tesla to make modifications to its automobile lineups with out announcement, altering costs, choices, and even automobile trims, this time it has eliminated the Mannequin Y AWD altogether. This has fueled hypothesis on-line that the transfer might have one thing to do with preparations for the Cybertruck’s begin of manufacturing.

This seems to present credence to rumors that Tesla has shut down Mannequin Y manufacturing in Texas – the bottom Tesla Mannequin Y powered by 4680 battery cells was inbuilt Austin on the identical web site that may produce the Cybertruck. 

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Does this imply that Tesla is focusing all of its efforts at Giga Texas for the beginning of manufacturing of Cybertruck buyer automobiles? It’s actually one chance, though the automaker has not made an announcement associated to this.

As Electrek factors out, the 4680 cells used for Mannequin Y manufacturing might now be going to Cybertruck for testing and even manufacturing functions. 

It is price noting that Giga Texas was making 5,000 Mannequin Y EVs per week in Might, which interprets to roughly 250,000 models a yr. That is a major manufacturing quantity utilizing appreciable manufacturing assets. These assets have now been freed up for various functions, doubtless for the Cybertruck. 

Because the Mannequin Y AWD is now not obtainable to order, probably the most inexpensive trim stage is now the Mannequin Y Lengthy Vary, which begins at $51,880 (together with vacation spot cost), earlier than choices and incentives.

The Mannequin Y AWD supplied an EPA-estimated vary of 279 miles of vary, with Tesla claiming it was “probably the most environment friendly electrical SUV ever constructed” with an effectivity ranking of 4 miles per kilowatt-hour. The automobile was in a position to speed up from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds earlier than topping out at 135 mph.