Tesla Unveils Cheaper Versions of the Model X and Model S. But They Have One Big Drawback

Tesla has trimmed the prices of its two most expensive electric vehicles — but the savings come with a hitch. On Monday, the automaker began offering a “standard-range” Model S with a sticker price of $78,490 and a version of the Model X that starts at $88,490, not including delivery — knocking $10,000 off each car.

In exchange, they sacrifice battery: The standard-range Model S can go about 320 miles before recharging, while the Model X taps out at 269 miles. In both cases, that’s a decline of about 80 miles from the extended-range models.

Tesla previously phased out shorter-range models in 2021, offering only long-range and high-performance Plaid versions of the Model S and Model X.

CNET auto expert Antuan Goodwin points out that the new models have the same battery capacity as the long-range versions, “but their range is limited by a software lock.” 

“This is something Tesla has come under fire for in the past,” Goodwin added. “But it opens the possibility of unlocking more range in the future — either for an additional cost or, as Tesla has done before, to help in times of emergency.”

Tesla frequently tweaks its prices, often to meet quarterly goals. The cost of a Model S and Model X were lowered by between 4% and 9% in March and knocked down another 2% to 6% in April. Later that same month, though, Tesla raised the sticker price on both by $2,500, but threw in three years of free Supercharging. 

The company has delivered about 889,000 EVs in the first half of 2023, but is still behind on its goal of 1.8 million by year’s end.

For more on electric vehicles, check out CNET’s guide to free charging and see if your vehicle qualifies for the $7,500 EV tax credit.