Tesla has recently made a subtle adjustment to the starting lease price for the Model Y Long Range RWD in the United States, raising it to $399 per month from the prior $349. This change was noted on the company’s website, indicating a possible shift in strategy as Tesla gears up for a potentially busy end-of-quarter period.
As Tesla anticipates a surge in demand, Raj Jegannathan, an AI and IT Infrastructure Engineer at Tesla, cautioned that custom orders in various regions may experience delays of one to two weeks. This could prompt the company to update its online configurator to reflect extended delivery estimates, signaling a need for prospective buyers to act promptly if they wish to secure their vehicle before the end of Q3.
Moreover, Jegannathan confirmed that there will not be any additional end-of-quarter discounts beyond the existing offers in the U.S. This means that customers may want to place their orders sooner rather than later to potentially qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit before it expires on September 30, 2025. While Tesla typically employs end-of-quarter discounts to drive last-minute sales, it appears that this approach is currently on hold.
The lease price adjustment specifically applies to the Model Y Long Range RWD at this time. Although a $50 increase per month may not appear significant initially, it can accumulate over the duration of a multi-year lease. On a positive note, Tesla introduced a new option late last year that allows customers to purchase any leased vehicle, including the Cybertruck, at the end of their lease term. This added flexibility provides lessees with more choices compared to previous years.
As delivery timelines continue to extend and no further discounts are expected, securing a Tesla order promptly could be the most prudent decision to avoid potential delays during the Q3 rush. By acting swiftly, customers can navigate the evolving market conditions and secure their desired Tesla model without facing the uncertainties of a competitive end-of-quarter environment.