Tesla unveils much cheaper Model Y in China after backlash

Tesla's rolls out a latest significantly lower version of its Model Y sports utility vehicle in China, following continuous negative publicity in the country. — Bloomberg

Tesla Inc. has debuted a significantly cheaper version of its locally built Model Y sports utility vehicle in China amid concern a string of negative publicity may have soured consumer sentiment toward the electric-carmaking pioneer.

The so-called standard-range version of the Model Y crossover starts from 276,000 yuan (RM177,727) after government subsidies and Tesla began taking orders Thursday, according to its website. That’s about 20% less than the original longer-range Model Y, which can run for 594 kilometers (369 miles) on a single charge.