Tesla drops 'Standard Range Plus' from cheapest Model 3 name

Tesla's least expensive car, the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, has been renamed to just the Tesla Model 3 (via Teslarati). This model is listed under the "Rear-Wheel Drive" category, so you could also call it the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive.

The two other Model 3 options are listed under the "Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive" category, and have the same names as before: the Tesla Model 3 Long Range, and the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Call it "Model 3" Credit: tesla

Given that there are only three Model 3 variants available, the name change makes sense; the "Standard" portion of the name seemed superfluous anyway.

Tesla used to have a Long Range Model 3 variant with rear-wheel drive. This model is currently not available, and — judging by the name change — probably isn't coming back any time soon. Also, Tesla used to sell an even cheaper model, the $35,000 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range, but that has been discontinued.

Teslarati noticed that the name change might stem from a Twitter conversation between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and a user who suggested that the "standard" portion in the name is not appealing, with Musk answering that it was a "good point."

Tweet may have been deleted

Tesla has recently increased the price of its cars, so the three options – the Model 3, Model 3 Long Range, and Model 3 Performance – now cost $43,990, $49,990, and $57,990, respectively.