How Much Did a Tesla Cost Back in 2020?
(Spoiler: It Wasn’t Cheap… But Way Cheaper Than Now)
Published: June 29, 2025
By: Someone who regrets not buying a Tesla in 2020
Let’s rewind to 2020, shall we?
Remember 2020? That bizarre year where we all became banana bread chefs, Zoom experts… and started Googling electric cars like never before?
That’s when I first thought about buying a Tesla. My cousin in San Diego actually did it—he snagged a Model 3 Standard Range Plus for under $40,000 USD. And me? I chickened out. Still driving my old Corolla, by the way. And yeah… regrets.
So, if you’ve ever wondered how much Teslas actually cost in 2020, here’s the real-deal breakdown. Prices, trims, and some fun “what could’ve been” nostalgia.
image source BY: “Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.”
Tesla Prices in 2020 (U.S. Market – Where It All Happened)
| Model | Starting Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Standard Plus | ~$39,990 | Cheapest Tesla ever. |
| Model 3 Performance | ~$56,990 | Fast and flashy. |
| Model Y Long Range | ~$52,990 | Just launched! SUV vibes. |
| Model S Long Range | ~$74,990 | Luxury sedan, big range. |
| Model X Long Range | ~$79,990 | Falcon-wing doors, anyone? |
Pro tip from 2020:
If you bought a Tesla before June, some states still offered up to $1,875 federal EV tax credits (down from the original $7,500 which ended in 2019 for Tesla buyers).
Missed Opportunity?
Let me tell you… in 2020, some people were laughing at EVs.
“Range anxiety,” they’d say.
“Nowhere to charge,” they’d complain.
But in cities like Los Angeles, Austin, and even parts of Florida, Tesla drivers were already coasting past gas stations and saving hundreds every month.
Now in 2025, those same cars? Still running great—and guess what? They’ve appreciated in value.
Yep, used 2020 Model 3s are sometimes selling for more than they were bought for. Wild, right?
Weird Fact: Model Y Was Brand New in 2020
The Model Y rolled out in early 2020. Not many people noticed. But by the end of that year, it quietly became Tesla’s fastest-selling car.
Now? It’s everywhere. Uber drivers, soccer moms, startup folks… all loving it.
What You Got in 2020 vs Now
Autopilot was included.
Full Self-Driving (FSD)? That was $7,000–$8,000 back then. Now it’s $15,000+. Oof.
Range was decent (Model 3 got ~250–322 miles).
Charging network was solid in metro areas. Rural? Not so much.
Secret 2020 Buying Hacks
Smart buyers saved more by:
Buying inventory/demo vehicles (discounted)
Using referral codes (free Supercharging miles)
Buying near quarter-end, when Tesla gave perks to hit sales goals
Learn More : Here
Md Emran Khan is a passionate news writer and digital content creator focused on delivering clear, insightful, and timely updates on finance, technology, and current events. With a knack for breaking down complex topics into engaging stories, Emran aims to keep readers informed and empowered to make smart decisions. Based in USA, he blends global trends with local perspectives to bring a fresh voice to the news landscape.
