With the launch of the new, more affordable Standard trims for the Model 3 and Model Y, Tesla has embarked on an aggressive and meticulous cost-cutting strategy. While the lower sticker price is compelling, it has been achieved by slashing features, including software and hardware downgrades.
Individually, each change may seem minor. But when taken together, they paint a clear picture of a fundamentally different and more basic ownership experience compared to the newly rebranded Premium trims. Following the removal of key cards and the direct TPMS system, the latest Tesla owner’s manual reveals even more removals.
Heated Steering Wheel to Disappear?
While the new Standard Model 3 and Model Y both include a heated steering wheel as standard, this feature may be on the way out, at least in select regions. Tesla’s owner’s manual now includes “if equipped,” and this text, when referring to the vehicle’s heated steering wheel: “Note: Depending on trim, configuration, and date of manufacture, your vehicle may not be equipped with a heated steering wheel.”
While this doesn’t confirm that the feature will be removed, the addition of the text makes us wonder if Tesla will remove the feature in some regions.
It may make sense to remove this feature in warmer regions where the heated steering wheel will never be used, but we’ll have to wait and see exactly which models and regions it impacts.
NFC Charge Port
Interestingly, Tesla has removed the NFC capability for the Charge Port to be opened by pressing the button on a Mobile Connector, Wall Connector, or Supercharger handle. Tesla states that “some vehicle variants may not detect when you press the button on the charging cable.”
This is similar to older vehicles, where the vehicle must be awake for the charge cable button to open the charge port. Typically, owners will open one of the doors to wake up the vehicle, which will then cause the charge port button to work.
Frunk Sealing & Maximum Weight
The frunk liner on the Standard variant is made of a fabric-esque material, and there is no sealing rubber on the bottom of the hood, meaning that the frunk is not waterproof in Standard models. While the frunk is the same size as other models, the maximum weight has been drastically reduced.
The Premium frunk has a weight capacity of 110 lbs (50kg), while the Standard frunk has a weight capacity of 65 lbs (30kg). There is also no drain plug on the Standard variant frunks.
A Thousand Other Cuts
Tesla has cut a lot of other features from the Standard variants to help them achieve that more affordable price point. A full list of major cuts and changed features can be found here.
Some of those features include:
Only Front Heated Seats
No Ventilated Seats
Removal of ambient lighting
No Rear Passenger Screen
No Autopilot
Downgraded Audio System
Manual Steering & Mirror Adjustment
No Dimmable Mirrors
Simplified Suspension System
Manual Rear Vents
No FM Radio
Open Center Console
No Physical Seat Controls
No HEPA Filter (Model Y)
Fabric Roof Cover (Model Y)
No Front/Rear Lightbar (Model Y)
No Matrix Headlights
Tesla’s Strategy
This extensive list of removals and feature changes allows Tesla to lower the vehicle's price by $5-$6k, or approximately 13%. However, it’s up to the individual to determine whether the cuts are worth it. Tesla is meticulously combing through the bill of materials on the Model 3 and Model Y and removing every component that is not absolutely essential to the core function or experience of the vehicle.
While this allows Tesla to hit an aggressive, market-expanding price point, it also fundamentally changes the definition of a Tesla. The result is a more basic, less feature-rich experience that creates a powerful and compelling reason for many buyers to spend the extra few thousand on a Premium model.
