The Tesla Model Y Standard is coming to the UK with 314 miles of range for £41,990

A cheap version of one of the world’s best-selling cars is coming to the UK. Tesla has announced its Model Y Standard – the ‘affordable’ EV unleashed upon the Americans back in October – is now heading over to this rain-swept island.

And when it arrives, it’ll come bearing a price tag that reads £41,990. Not quite the ‘affordable’ Tesla we’ve been promised for some time, but the cheapest version of a particularly good family car.

Tesla reckons this new Standard – replacing the old ‘Rear Wheel Drive’ Model Y – can be had for just £299 per month on a lease, too, and for that outlay you get… also rear-wheel-drive, and 314 miles of WLTP-certified all-electric range.

Tesla claims efficiency of 4.74 miles per kWh, which is particularly efficient. UK-spec Model Y Standards get slower acceleration (0-62mph in 6.9s) and reduced top speed (110mph) versus their American cousins, in part to help the Tesla creep into a lower insurance group (34).

UK cars do however – because we’re a vain bunch – get bigger 19in wheels versus the 18s US cars are specced with. It also comes with a 15.4in touchscreen (wonder if that’ll catch on), seven speakers, a closed-off glass roof (!), and the ability to use your own hands to adjust the steering wheel, the air vents and folding second-row seats.

There’s some driver assist on board like cruise control and ‘Autopilot’, many USB ports, eight external cameras, heated seats, wireless phone charging… that sort of thing. You can charge it fairly quickly, too: Tesla reckons you can hose in 162 miles in 15 minutes on a suitable charger, and the Standard can max out at 175kW.

Want something with more range and more power? The next one on the Model Y ladder is the ‘Premium’, available with rear-wheel-drive (387 miles of range, £48,990) or all-wheel-drive (391 miles, £51,990), and finally the big dog AWD ‘Performance’ (360 miles, £61,990).