What We Know About the Cheap Tesla Model Y Trim

Tesla Model Y

Image Credit: Tesla

If you’ve been tracking fall car launches and are curious about 2026 car models in the electric segment, you’ll want to pay attention to the latest revelation about the upcoming budget version of the Tesla Model Y. Thanks to a known Tesla firmware hacker, new insights into the so-called “cheap” Tesla Model Y are finally coming into focus—and they show just how far Tesla is willing to go to make this electric SUV more affordable for the masses.

A Peek Into the Firmware
Tesla’s pared-down Model Y was first teased back in 2025, but beyond a basic confirmation, details remained vague. That’s now changed thanks to a firmware decode from a well-known and usually accurate hacker known as “greentheonly.” By digging into Tesla’s latest software for the Juniper Model Y, the hacker unearthed a hidden reference to a model codenamed “E41.” This appears to be the new affordable trim an electric SUV stripped of many frills to meet a lower price point.

For those keeping an eye on new car technology in the EV world, this is a telling example of how software updates can reveal more than Tesla may intend.

Exterior Cutbacks
To bring costs down, Tesla is dialing back several exterior features in the E41 version. Here’s what’s reportedly missing or modified:

• “Simplified” 18-inch wheels paired with a downgraded suspension system
• No power-folding mirrors
• No glass roof
• No puddle lamps
• A redesigned front fascia

A backup camera with no heating element—meaning fogging or ice buildup may become an issue

Perhaps most notably, there’s no traditional tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This might raise eyebrows since TPMS is legally required in the U.S. However, Tesla may be turning to an indirect method using wheel-speed sensors. This isn’t unprecedented in the auto world, but such systems are less accurate and could be misled if you install tires of slightly different sizes.

Interior Stripped to the Essentials
The changes inside are just as significant—especially if you’re expecting Tesla’s usual minimalist-but-premium experience. Instead, you’ll find:

• Footwell-only ambient lighting
• A fiberglass headliner instead of the premium textile used in higher trims
• A simplified audio system described only as “essential” or “essential with commodity”
• Seats that offer just one axis of adjustment (possibly manual recline with powered forward/back motion)
• No “air wave” system in the center console—meaning second-row passengers likely won’t have airflow controls or dedicated displays

If you’re someone who enjoys creature comforts in your hybrid SUV or EV, this version might feel too barebones. But if you’re primarily looking for affordable access to the Tesla ecosystem, it could be just enough.

The Smoother Driving Experience

Image Credit: Tesla

The Price Question
Currently, the most affordable Model Y is the Long Range RWD variant, priced at $44,990. Tesla hasn’t officially confirmed pricing for the E41, but with all the feature removals, it’s reasonable to speculate a nearly $10,000 reduction, bringing the entry-level Model Y closer to the long-promised $35,000 mark.

For anyone wondering, “Should I buy a used electric car in the UK?” or elsewhere, this upcoming model could offer a new alternative—especially if it qualifies for incentives. And unlike the discontinued budget Cybertruck, the Model Y is better suited for the average EV buyer, offering practicality in urban and suburban environments.

A Strategic Move in a Competitive EV Market
This move could have wider implications in today’s used car market, where electric vehicle prices fluctuate and entry-level EVs often struggle to balance features and affordability. As buyers grow more curious about vehicle subscriptions, end-of-summer sales, and budget EV options, Tesla’s stripped-down Model Y might just hit the sweet spot.

Whether you’re browsing hybrid cars, researching electric pickup trucks, or wondering what the most anticipated car launches are for autumn 2025, this news fits right into the larger conversation about accessibility and scalability in EV production.

Is the Stripped Model Y Worth Considering?
If you’re in the market for an EV but unwilling to stretch your budget into luxury pricing, this could be your moment. Tesla’s decision to cut features instead of quality performance may bring electric vehicles within reach for more drivers—especially those who prioritize range and charging infrastructure over creature comforts.

For anyone asking, “how will AI-powered driving assistance change my commute?”—you’ll likely still benefit from Tesla’s software suite, though some elements could be pared back depending on trim level. So yes, this might be a stripped Model Y—but in today’s climate, stripped doesn’t necessarily mean lacking. It means Tesla is thinking about scale, not just spectacle.