Tesla Model 3, Model Y With RWD Get Much Longer Range, Higher Prices

The newly imposed 100-percent tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, effective since October 1, inevitably would cause Tesla to make changes. And there you have it now: there will be no more Model 3 and Model Y units imported to Canada from China. All will come from the U.S.

As part of the change, the base RWD models with standard range featuring lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries from Chinese manufacturer CATL are no longer available. They’ve been replaced by new RWD Long Range models.

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In the case of the Model 3 sedan, drivers can expect to travel up to 584 km according to Natural Resources Canada (NRC) instead of 438 km. It’s a huge difference—and longer range than the Hyundai IONIQ 6—that also comes with quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration times, down from 6.1 seconds to 5.2 seconds.

This new entry-level model proves far more appealing, except for the price. Rather than a base MSRP of $49,990, customers now have to pay a minimum of $54,990. The good news is that it’s still cheap enough to qualify for a $5,000 rebate under the federal government’s i-ZEV program.

The Model 3 AWD Long Range, meanwhile, stays at $59,990 and can drive up to an NRC-estimated 550 km. The Model 3 Performance (starting at $69,990, 478 km of range) is the only one that’s not eligible to the $5,000 rebate.

When it comes to the Model Y crossover, the new RWD Long Range model is good for 525 km, up from the Chinese import’s 394 km of range. Its 0-100 km/h acceleration time remains at 6.9 seconds. The base MSRP is increased from $53,990 to $59,990, but once again customers will be entitled to a $5,000 federal incentive.

The Model Y AWD Long Range (497 km) continues to retail for $63,990, while the Model Y Performance stays at $68,990, although range has been revised from 459 km to 446 km. To be clear, all Model Y units qualify for the $5,000 rebate.

Now that all Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles sold in Canada are built in the U.S., it will be interesting to see if Tesla raises its game from a build quality perspective, as the Shanghai Gigafactory has proven to manufacture more solid products. On that note, don’t miss our review of the 2024 Tesla Model 3.