Tesla Cuts Lease Prices Across Its EV Lineup But There’s a Catch

Tesla has quietly rolled out fresh lease discounts across most of its U.S. lineup this week, in a move that looks designed to spark demand ahead of a potentially slow fourth quarter. The timing is no coincidence. Since the federal EV tax credit expired, Tesla’s vehicles have effectively become $7,500 more expensive overnight a big blow for an automaker that’s relied heavily on that incentive to keep U.S. sales humming.

The updated lease prices appeared overnight on Tesla’s online configurator. The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive now starts at $329 per month, down from $429. The Model Y Long Range dropped from $529 to $449 per month, while even the Cybertruck AWD saw a $50 reduction, now starting at $699 per month. Tesla says these prices are temporary and will revert back to normal on November 1.

Price cuts like these have become something of a Tesla tradition. The company often adjusts prices near the end of a quarter to give deliveries a boost and pad its numbers before reporting earnings. What’s different this time is the early timing, this discount wave comes weeks before Tesla’s usual quarter-end push. That suggests the automaker might be anticipating a slower stretch ahead.

Tesla’s third-quarter sales were strong thanks to buyers rushing to purchase before the tax credit expired. But with that short-term surge behind them, analysts expect a dip in Q4 demand. Tesla’s move to lower lease rates could help soften the drop, making it easier for new customers to get into a Tesla without feeling the full sting of lost incentives.

For shoppers, the discounts could be just enough to make the math work. Leasing has always been a way to sidestep high upfront costs, and Tesla’s latest adjustments give buyers a chance to lock in a lower monthly payment before rates climb again. For anyone who’s been sitting on the fence about ordering a Model 3 or Model Y, this week might be the moment to pull the trigger.

Still, the limited-time nature of the offer adds pressure. Tesla’s lease prices are set to rise again in just a few days, and historically, the company rarely extends such deals once they expire. Whether this strategy succeeds in sustaining U.S. demand remains to be seen, but it’s a clear signal that Tesla is watching the market closely and adjusting on the fly.

If you’re planning to take advantage of the new pricing, now’s the time to check the configurator and secure your build.

Source: Electrek