Tesla has launched the Model Y, a medium-sized SUV that sits below the Model X in the product line-up, and offering a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge.
Like the rest of the recently revised line-up, the Model Y will be available in Standard Range, Long Range, Dual Motor all-wheel drive, and Performance variants.
Despite being smaller than the Model X, and with many elements shared with the Model 3, the Model Y can still seat seven. Tesla’s famed performance levels continue, with a 0-60mph time possible in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 150mph.
The Standard Range model will have a range of 230 miles on a charge and 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds. The Long Range Model Y will cover 300 miles with a 5.5 seconds sprint time, the Dual Motor AWD version will be able to cover 280 miles on a charge with a 0-60mph time of 4.8 seconds, and the Dual Motor Performance version gets the headline acceleration figure and a range of 280 miles too.
Although not confirmed at the launch – aimed at the US market – it is expected that the Model Y will be fitted with a Type 2 CCS inlet for charging, as launched on the Model 3. Also similar to the Model 3 are a panoramic glass sunroof, the landscape touchscreen system, and a lack of driver instruments in a dedicated binnacle. The Model Y shares 75% of its components with the 3, including the platform on which it’s built.
Costs are not announced for Europe, let alone the UK, but in the US, the Model Y will start at $39,000 for the Standard Range, $47,000 for the Long Range, $51,000 for the Dual Motor, and $60,000 for the Dual Motor Performance. A good rule of thumb is to simply replace dollars with pounds and keep the number the same, though a lot could happen to prices between now and when the car arrives on UK shores.
The Model Y will also be compatible with Tesla’s Supercharging Version 3.0, which can charge at up to 250 kW. Like all Tesla cars, the Model Y has all the hardware fitted for autonomous driving, which can be set up via over the air updates to the car’s Autopilot system as features are developed and regulations allow.
Tesla’s model line-up is now complete in terms of naming systems, with the Models S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y able to be displayed as ‘S3XY’. Company boss Elon Musk joked about the ‘sexy’ portfolio at the launch, adding that it’s ‘Semi S3XY’ because of the forthcoming truck – and ignoring the Roadster from the equation. Supposedly it will then become the Semi S3XY Roadster, which seems to be doing the sportswear a disservice. Tesla has’t got the rights to use the ‘Model E’ name, hence the ‘3’ in its place. Dropping the naming joke, further models – such as a pick-up truck – are expected in the future.
Deliveries are expected to start in Autumn 2020 in the US, so don’t expect any thing to arrive on these shores until 2021 at some point, and potentially 2022 if previous launches are anything to go by. Mid-to-late 2021 is most likely, since Tesla has been ramping up manufacturing efforts and shortening lead times with the Model 3, though 2022 wouldn’t be a surprise.
