After much hype and speculation, reputed electric carmaker Tesla has launched the Model Y, its newest electric Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) on the 14th of March. It is the fifth car ever launched from the company and is only the second mass-market electric vehicle by the company since it was founded in the year 2003. The first one being the Tesla Model 3 which was introduced in the year 2017. Tesla Model Y was launched at the company’s design studio in Los Angeles, USA.
Tesla Model Y: Design & Safety
The Tesla Model Y is the second SUV from the company, the first one, Tesla Model X was launched in the year 2015. The car shares many of its characteristics with the Model 3, which is the company’s most affordable car yet. Although the Tesla Model Y has the same design language as the Model 3, the cargo space has gone up from 15 cubic feet in the latter to a whopping 66 cubic feet in the latest SUV. The company promises a low centre of gravity, rigid body structure and large crumple zones which will protect the driver in case of accidents. Seating options have gone up from 5 in the Model 3 to 7 in the Model Y if the buyers choose to install a third seating row.
Tesla Model Y: Performance & Driving
While the two base models of the Tesla Model Y are rear wheel drive, there is an optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Dual motors in the more premium models. These motors provide the car with a digitally controlled torque to the front and rear wheels. Like other vehicles in the company’s portfolio, the Model Y has the Autopilot feature which allows for a partially autonomous driving experience. The car has a total of 12 ultrasonic sensors and cameras around the sides which, according to the company will detect nearby cars, prevent potential collisions and assist with parking.
Tesla Model Y: Interiors & Pricing
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The interiors of the Tesla Model Y resemble the one found in Model 3, with a minimalistic theme and an all-glass roof. There is a 15-inch touchscreen which doubles as the central console of the car. Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates for the car are also displayed and installed from the touchscreen console. Tesla will soon begin the production of the Model Y and its deliveries will commence in the year 2020. The company has announced a total of four variants which along with their acceleration, top speed and price are mentioned below.
| Model | Standard Range | Long Range | Dual Motor AWD | Performance |
| Range |
230 miles (370 km) |
300 miles (482 km) |
280 miles (450 km) |
280 miles (450 km) |
| Top Speed |
120 mph (193 kmph)
|
130 mph (209 kmph) |
130 mph (209 kmph) |
150 mph (241 kmph) |
|
0-60 mph (0-100 kmph) |
5.9 seconds | 5.5 seconds | 4.8 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Price |
US$ 39,000 (Rs. 27,00,262) |
US$ 47,000 (Rs. 32,54,162 ) |
US$ 51,000 (Rs. 35,31,112) |
US$ 60,000 (Rs. 41,54,250) |
| Deliveries | Spring 2021 | Fall 2020 | Fall 2020 | Fall 2020 |
