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Tesla Model Y

The long-awaited Tesla Model Y is finally on EV Compare. Check out the specs on its model page!

The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric four-door compact SUV manufactured and sold by Tesla, Inc. It is based on the Model 3 platform. The cars share a similar powertrain, battery and electric engine. The Model Y was unveiled on March 14, 2019. The Long Range and Performance versions are to be produced first (fall 2020), Standard to follow later (spring 2021). The Tesla Model Y is the second vehicle after the Model 3 to be built on Tesla’s third-generation platform. It aims to reduce the entry price for electric vehicles without sacrificing safety, range and performance.

Model Y Side Blue

Prices

  • Standard Range — $39,000 (€47,000)
  • Long Range RWD — $47,000 (€56.000)
  • Long Range AWD — $51,000 (€60.000)
  • Performance — $60,000 (€69.000)

Advantages

  • Utility — great cargo capacity (65 cubic feet/1840 litres) and 3rd row of seats ($3,000/€3.200 option)
  • Price — base version starts at just $39,000 before incentives
  • Range — up to 300 mi EPA or 540 km WLTP
  • Performance — from 3.5 sec 0-60 mph (3.7 sec 0-100 km/h)
  • Safety — 5-star NHTSA and Euro NCAP safety ratings expected

Disadvantages

  • Towing capability — not announced
  • Not a real SUV — just a more practical version of the Model 3 sedan
  • Long waiting time — deliveries are scheduled for the end of 2020 :(
Side-by-Side MY and M3

What is similar with the Model 3?

  • Battery (50 or 75 kWh)
  • Engine (Single or Dual electric motor)
  • Chassis and transmission
  • Dashboard (15’’ Center Touchscreen)

What is different?

  • 3rd row of seats for a total of 7 seats (optional)
  • Body style (CUV)
  • Ground clearance (a few inches higher)

Closest EV competitors

  1. Hyundai Kona Electric ($36,450)
  2. Kia Niro Electric (price not announced yet)
  3. Kia Soul EV 2020 (price not announced yet)
  4. Chevrolet Bolt ($36,620)
  5. Nissan Leaf e+ ($36,550)
  6. Jaguar I-PACE ($69,500)

Market position

When the Tesla Model Y enters the market in 2020 it will face a serious competition.
As you can see on the chart below, it is more expensive than its rivals but has an advantage in terms of range.
Another competitive edge invisible on the chart is the charging speed. The Model Y and 3 share the same traction battery, which can take up to 250 kWh while charging on a Tesla Supercharger. No other vehicle in this price category can claim the same charging rate.

Model Y Market position

Conclusion

All in all, the Tesla Model Y is a nice all-rounder. While it is difficult to imagine it off-roading, it can be a good and practical family car. In my opinion, it should be popular among families with small kids and those, who like its trendy CUV body style and generous cargo capacity.