Tesla Introduces New Model Y Variants in Europe; Ends Launch Series

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Tesla has updated its Model Y lineup in Europe, introducing new standard configurations while discontinuing the limited-edition Launch Series. With the new variants now available, European customers will have more choices and cheaper options to pick from.

The Launch Series and some of its exclusive features will no longer be offered—except in the UK, where it remains available alongside the new lineup.

New Models Introduced

Tesla’s new Model Y lineup in Europe includes three main variants. The prices vary slightly from country to country.

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Priced at €44,990, this model is the most affordable new Model Y, but it also has the shortest range and is missing a few features available on other trim levels.

• Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (LR RWD): Available for €49,990, this version is essentially the same as the RWD model, but with a larger battery. It has seen a €1,000 price increase compared to the outgoing Long Range RWD model.

• Long Range All-Wheel Drive (LR AWD): At €52,990, this model has seen a price drop of €2,000, making it a better deal than the previous LR AWD Model Y. This is also the only new Model Y to come with most of the same features as the Launch Series, including additional speakers, a subwoofer, premium materials inside the cabin and improved acceleration. Acceleration boost should also become available for this model, letting it match the performance of the Launch Series.

All Model Y variants come with all the improvements that we’ve discussed about the new Model Y, including the new front and rear light bars, improved aerodynamics, ventilated seats, improved heat and sound isolation, and the 8-inch rear touchscreen. Some exclusive options, like the Midnight Cherry Red paint, appear to no longer be available. However, Tesla has already said that they’ll be introducing new paint options for the Model Y in North America.

Compare Model Y Variants

Here’s how the various Model Y variants compare to each other:

Launch Series Ends

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The Launch Series, which debuted just weeks ago in Europe, has now been phased out. This limited-edition model was priced at €60,990 and included a suite of premium features comparable to a bundle deal you may find with other products. It came equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD), Acceleration Boost, and exclusive badging on the rear liftgate, door sill plates, and puddle lights.

While the Launch Series is no longer available for new orders in most European countries, customers can still get a similar vehicle by opting for the Long Range AWD model and manually adding premium features like FSD. Acceleration Boost, which was standard in the Launch Series, is expected to become available for purchase once these vehicles are delivered or soon afterward. However, some exclusive elements, such as badging and trim details, will remain unique to the discontinued edition.

For now, the UK remains an exception, still offering the Launch Series alongside the newly introduced models.

Performance Model Still to Come

With Tesla now introducing the expected variants of the refreshed Model Y, one notable absence is the Performance model. While the Launch Series was fast due to the Acceleration Boost addon, there’s no doubt the Performance version will be in a league of its own.

What we saw Tesla do with the 2024+ Model 3 Performance variant was more than just using binned motors. The vehicle featured unique bumpers, a spoiler, an improved suspension, sport seats, Track Mode V3 and other features that made the vehicle stand out compared to the Model 3 AWD.

The Performance version of the new Model Y is expected to become available later this year, however, expect it to carry a $5-$8k premium over the AWD model.

Other Regions to Follow

As Europe phases out the Launch Series, other regions are expected to see similar changes. With the other models now revealed, owners in other regions have a better idea of whether they should buy the Launch Series or wait for the additional models to arrive.

Tesla naturally adjusts its offerings based on market demand, and if sales of the Launch Series remain strong in other parts of the world, Tesla will likely wait it out a little longer before offering the other models.

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Tesla’s 500kW Superchargers Set to Launch in Q3 2025

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Tesla’s VP of Charging, Max de Zegher, recently confirmed on X that the first 500kW Supercharger sites are coming soon. These next-generation chargers will not only support the Cybertruck charging at 500kW, but they’ll also be more cost-effective to deploy than previous models.

Late last year, Tesla indicated plans to accelerate Supercharger deployments, with many future locations featuring V4 cabinets. Some sites are already being equipped with V4 posts, offering improved charging capabilities, but the V4 cabinets allow Tesla to get even more power to each stall.

500kW Charging

Tesla recently enabled 325kW charging for the Cybertruck at compatible Superchargers across North America - specifically those with V4 posts and V3 cabinets, which are typically referred to as V3.5 Superchargers. The upcoming V4 Superchargers will also have a V4 cabinet, which will take this even further—delivering up to 500kW per stall.

While the increase to 325kW has already improved charging times by approximately 3–5 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s state of charge (SoC), the jump to 500kW is expected to have an even greater impact. With this upgrade, the Cybertruck could potentially charge from 10% to 80% SoC in under 30 minutes—an impressive feat for a vehicle with a massive 123kWh battery pack.

The vehicle’s ability to maintain a high level of charge current can make an even larger difference, so we’ll have to see what the charge curve looks like at these new 500kW chargers.

pic.twitter.com/fte2TJaInp

— Tesla Charging (@TeslaCharging) November 14, 2024

V4 Cabinets Improvements

One of the biggest advantages of the V4 cabinet is its streamlined design. It can power up to eight charging posts—twice as many as the V3 cabinet—reducing site complexity and minimizing the amount of electrical work needed between the cabinet and the posts. This results in a smaller footprint and a more efficient installation process.

Tesla has optimized deployments by pre-mounting Supercharger posts on factory-made concrete bases, making them ready for quick installation. With this approach, Tesla is able to install each post for less than $40,000, according to Max de Zegher.

This is a fraction of the $225,000 per stall cost recently revealed in a contract awarded to Revel Charging. This massive price difference benefits both Tesla and site owners, allowing for faster and more cost-effective network expansion.

Lower costs also mean potential savings for customers, who will enjoy cheaper and faster charging. With the first full V4 sites set to roll out soon, it will be exciting to see how quickly the Cybertruck can charge. Looking ahead, future Tesla vehicles with 800V high-voltage architecture could also take advantage of these next-generation charging speeds.

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Tesla Introducing Virtual Queues for Superchargers: Here’s How It Could Work

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Supercharging is fast and convenient, but there are times when a station reaches full capacity, requiring drivers to wait for an available stall. When there are only a few vehicles in line, the wait is minimal, and figuring out whose turn it is to charge is straightforward. However, long queues can form during peak travel times or in high-traffic areas, leading to confusion and frustration as vehicles cut the line.

Currently, there is no official system for managing Supercharger queues—drivers rely on informal, self-organized lines. While many follow an unspoken order, disputes can arise when some claim they arrived first or attempt to cut ahead.

Urban Superchargers in cities like Toronto, Los Angeles, and New York often see long lines during busy hours, with drivers doing their best to maintain order. A structured queuing system could help streamline the process, reducing conflicts and ensuring a fair, organized charging experience for all, and that’s exactly what Tesla is about to implement.

Virtual Queue

The Tesla Charging account on X has confirmed that it plans to introduce a Virtual Queuing system, with a pilot program set to launch at select Supercharger sites next quarter. While Tesla has yet to specify which locations will be included, it’s likely the initial rollout will take place in the United States, where the company typically begins testing new charging initiatives.

Tesla says that if the pilot program receives positive feedback, they will expand the system to more Superchargers this year.

The goal of Virtual Queuing is to improve the charging experience whenever wait times occur. According to Tesla, this would apply to roughly “~1% of cases,” though many high-demand Supercharger sites frequently experience long lines. While some remote locations may see little to no wait times, busier stations could greatly benefit from a structured queuing system.

Potential Implementations

While Tesla hasn’t detailed exactly how the Virtual Queuing system will work, there are a few likely possibilities. One approach could involve locking a vehicle’s VIN into the queue, preventing other vehicles from starting a charge prematurely. In this case, any attempt to charge out of turn might trigger a “Stall reserved for next vehicle in line” message.

This method would provide a straightforward solution—only the next vehicle in the queue would be able to initiate a session. The queuing process itself could be automated when a vehicle navigates to the Supercharger, factoring in estimated arrival time, or it might require manual enrollment once you arrive.

Tesla may also impose limits on queue validity. If a vehicle leaves the charging area, its position could be automatically forfeited.

Software Solution

In China, Superchargers sometimes include locks that come up from the ground, preventing non-Teslas from parking in these designated Supercharger spots. Up until recently, Tesla users had to open up the Tesla app and choose a stall before the lock would go down and allow them to park. However, with a recent update, this is all done on the vehicle’s screen, where the driver can pick the charging stall and automatically have the lock lower.

We may see a similar implementation, where a driver would choose to add themselves to the Supercharger queue, and their position in line and estimated wait time would then be viewable on the vehicle’s screen.

Reservation Signage

Tesla’s reservation about this new queuing system could be around driver confusion. Superchargers weren’t built with a queue system in mind, meaning that there’s no way to tell whether a stall is reserved for a specific vehicle.

A physical indicator could help owners quickly identify when a Supercharger stall is available for the next vehicle in the queue. Tesla could implement a system similar to grocery store checkout lights, where a change in lighting signals whether a register is open or closed.

For example, the Supercharger post could pulse blue when it’s ready for the next user, with a corresponding message in the vehicle stating, “Use the Supercharger post that is pulsing blue.” This would provide a clear, intuitive way to direct drivers to the correct stall.

Tesla can also display a menu inside a vehicle when it first arrives at a Supercharger, letting the driver know that there’s a wait time and explaining the process and their estimated wait time. It can also prompt the driver to be added to the queue.

Tesla Priority

Another factor to consider is how Tesla will handle non-Tesla vehicles in the queue. One possibility is giving priority access to Tesla owners or those subscribed to the Supercharger membership. This would ensure that Tesla vehicles and paying members receive preferred access at busy Supercharger sites, making the membership more valuable while also incentivizing Tesla ownership—especially as the network expands to other EV brands.

Regardless of whether Tesla introduces priority access, the Supercharger queuing system will be a valuable addition, particularly in high-traffic urban locations and during peak travel seasons. By having an official queue Tesla will create a smoother and more organized charging experience for all users.

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