For more than a year, Tesla fans and industry watchers have been waiting to hear what the company’s rumored “budget-friendly” Model Y would look like. Tesla officially confirmed the existence of a cheaper version earlier this year, but no one really knew what features the company would cut to make the popular SUV more affordable. Now, thanks to a hacker known in the Tesla community for uncovering hidden details in the brand’s firmware, we finally have a clearer picture, and it looks like this new entry-level Model Y will be stripped down in several noticeable ways.
Who Leaked the Information?
The details come from a well-known Tesla firmware hacker who goes by the name “greentheonly,” or simply “green.” He has a long track record of accurately decoding Tesla’s software updates, and this time, he found clues buried in the latest firmware for the current Model Y. The code revealed that the cheaper version of the SUV will be identified internally as the “E41.” Beyond just the codename, the leak outlines which features Tesla plans to remove to hit a much lower price point.
Exterior Changes: Simplified and Cost-Cutting
According to the hack, the budget Model Y will lose some of the exterior luxuries found on the more expensive versions. The SUV will come with “simplified” 18-inch wheels and a downgraded suspension system. One of the most surprising omissions is a traditional tire pressure monitoring system. U.S. law has required such systems since 2007, but Tesla may be planning to use an indirect system based on wheel-speed sensors rather than direct pressure sensors. This method has been used by other automakers, but it can be less accurate and more sensitive to tire size changes.
Other exterior downgrades include:
- No glass roof
- No puddle lamps under the mirrors
- No power-folding mirrors
- A redesigned front fascia
- A backup camera without a heating element (which means it could fog up or freeze in cold weather)
These changes make it clear that Tesla is cutting costs in areas where it can, even if it means losing convenience features.
Interior Downgrades: A True Stripped-Down Cabin
The cost-cutting continues inside the cabin. The leaked firmware shows that the new Model Y will have a much simpler interior setup. The audio system will be reduced to a very basic “essential” package, though the exact details of what that means remain unclear.
Some of the biggest interior changes include:
- No “air wave” in the center console, which likely means rear passengers won’t have their own airflow controls
- No secondary display for backseat passengers
- A simplified fiberglass headliner
- Only footwell lighting instead of more ambient cabin lighting
- Seats with just a single-axis adjustment, possibly meaning only forward and backward movement is powered, while seatback recline may be manual
Photo links. Taken together, these cuts show Tesla’s focus on bringing down production costs, even if it means losing some of the high-tech feel the brand is known for.
What About the Price?
While the leaked information gives us a clear picture of the features being removed, it doesn’t confirm the final price tag. Currently, the cheapest Tesla Model Y available is the Long Range RWD version, which starts at $44,990. If Tesla really strips away this many features, experts believe the company could lower the price by around $10,000. That would bring the new entry-level Model Y down to the long-promised $35,000 range, making it far more accessible to buyers looking for an affordable electric SUV.
Will It Last?
There’s still a question of how long Tesla will keep this cheaper Model Y on sale. For example, the company recently canceled its cheapest version of the Cybertruck after low demand. However, the Model Y is a much more practical and family-friendly vehicle than the Cybertruck, which could help the cheaper version find a solid market. With electric vehicles still priced higher than many gas-powered alternatives, a $35,000 Tesla SUV could attract buyers who want to go electric but can’t stretch to nearly $50,000.
Final Thoughts
The leaked firmware gives us the clearest look yet at Tesla’s strategy for building a lower-cost Model Y. Buyers should expect a no-frills version of the popular SUV, stripped of premium features like glass roofs, power mirrors, and advanced cabin lighting. What remains to be seen is whether the lower price tag will be enough to make it a hit, and if Tesla will keep it in production long enough to satisfy budget-conscious EV shoppers.
For now, all eyes are on Tesla to see when this “E41” Model Y will officially launch and just how affordable it will really be.
FAQs
What features are missing in the cheaper Model Y?
The budget version is stripped down to save money. It may not have a glass roof, puddle lights, power-folding mirrors, or heated backup cameras. Inside, you’ll see basic seats, a smaller audio system, fewer lighting options, and no rear passenger controls.
How will the low-cost Model Y handle tire pressure monitoring?
Instead of the usual tire pressure sensors, it might use an indirect system that guesses pressure through wheel-speed sensors. This works but isn’t as accurate, and it can get confused if you change tire sizes.
Will the cheaper Model Y still be safe to drive?
Yes, it should still meet safety rules. The main cuts are comfort and luxury features, not core safety items. However, small things like no heated backup camera could affect convenience in winter.
How much will the cheapest Model Y cost?
The current base model costs about $44,990. Experts believe the stripped-down version could drop closer to $35,000, making it one of the more affordable electric SUVs
Will the cheaper Model Y have less range?
The hack did not show clear details about the battery. For now, it looks like the cost cuts focus on features, not driving range.
Is it worth buying the budget version of the Model Y?
That depends on your needs. If you just want an electric SUV at a lower price and don’t care about extras like glass roofs or fancy lighting, it could be a great option. If you want comfort features, you may prefer the higher trim levels.
How long will the cheaper Model Y be sold?
That’s not confirmed. In the past, cheaper versions of other models were discontinued when demand was low. But since SUVs are very popular, this one might stay around longer if enough people buy it.
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