Tesla Model Y prices rise after a week on sale

It’s only been on sale in Australia for seven days, but already the 2022 Tesla Model Y is more expensive than when it hit the market on June 10.

A week after the Tesla Model Y was opened to Australian orders, the EV influencer brand has implemented a price rise of about five per cent across the Model Y line-up.

The price rises also apply to the more affordable Tesla Model 3 sedan, marking its third price increase so far in 2022.

The entry-level Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive is now $72,300 plus on-road costs, representing an increase of $3400.

It makes the drive-away price about $78K, depending on what state or territory you’re ordering in.

There are no other changes to specifications or equipment levels.

The flagship Model Y Performance has increased in price from $98,689 (once luxury car tax is included) to $104,053 plus ORC.

It’s certainly come as a shock to the Tesla faithful, many of whom have taken to social media to vent.

“Crazy seeing Tesla pass on the US price rise already,” said one, adding that he “would have thought we’d keep launch price longer than a week lol”.

Another claimed to have made a change to their Model Y order only to have been slugged with the price rise as a result.

“Omg, just range Tesla this afternoon and updated the order online, they didn’t even mention about the price increase and I just went ahead with confirming the update!”

As with previous Tesla price rises, the increases won’t apply to the thousands who have placed orders over the past week (provided they don’t make alterations, apparently); they have an “order agreement” with a confirmed price as part of the order.

But it will impact anyone who orders a Model Y from now on – and clearly there are some who may have been close to committing that will now be asked to pay more.

The price increases have also hit the Tesla Model 3 that is Australia’s (and the world’s) top-selling EV.

The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is now $1600 more expensive, at $65,500 plus on-roads. The Model 3 Long Range is now $80,619 (with luxury car tax) – an increase of almost $4000 – while the Model 3 Performance is $95,699 (with LCT but before on-roads).

As for why the price rises have been implemented, there’s no word from Tesla.

Best guesses are that it could be Tesla ensuring it covers itself against inflation as the world struggles with uncertain economic times.

Prices of raw materials and energy have been rising globally, making cars more expensive to manufacture.

Given Teslas ordered in Australia today won’t be delivered until February 2023 at the earliest – and May 2023 at the latest – the rampant inflation that is causing economic challenges across the world could easily make vehicles even more expensive to manufacture and transport.

Besides, this is Tesla, which loves to do things differently, even if it means upsetting a few along the way.

Given the popularity of the Model Y and Model 3, it’s unlikely to dampen interest in the EV models in a hurry.

How much does the 2022 Tesla Model Y cost?
Rear-Wheel Drive – $72,300
Performance – $104,053
* Prices exclude on-road costs

How much does the 2022 Tesla Model 3 cost?
Rear-Wheel Drive – $65,500
Long Range – $80,619
Performance – $95,699
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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