As the newest EV to hit roads for Tesla, the Model Y CUV continues to grow in popularity as a more compact and affordable version of the Model X. It also shares the same platform as the cheapest Tesla in the Model 3, sharing much of the same EV DNA. Here is a background of how the Model Y came to be, along with a breakdown of everything you need to know before purchasing one of your own.
History of the Model Y
Even before the Model 3 made its official debut, Tesla and CEO Elon Musk were already teasing some early versions of the Model Y and its Falcon-Wing doors.
After several years of teasing the public, complete with vague references and silhouette images during shareholder meetings, Tesla finally announced its newest EV, the Model Y, on March 14, 2019.
Production began the following December at Tesla’s Fremont factory, and by March of 2020, the first Model Ys began delivering to customers.
While the initial production of the Model Y has taken place in Fremont, Tesla has made it clear that its future production will continue at its two new gigafactories – Giga Berlin, and Giga Texas. Both of which remain under construction
In the summer of 2020, Tesla revealed it would produce and sell its new Model Y in the Chinese market. Beginning in December of that year, Model Y production commenced at Giga Shanghai.
While the Model Y appears to more closely resemble the veteran Model X SUV because of its size and doors, it actually more closely matches the Model 3, sitting upon the same third-generation platform.
Here’s the latest Model Y news to get you up to speed with the newest of Tesla’s current EV fleet:
Performance specs
As a more affordable version of the Model X, and a roomier version of the Model 3, Tesla’s Model Y falls somewhere in between in terms of both pricing and performance.
As the newest Tesla model available, the Model Y was the first to feature Tesla’s heat pump in lieu of electric resistance for interior cabin heat and battery preconditioning. The heat pump has since been integrated into Tesla’s other models, along with other features like chrome delete trim.
Currently, the Model Y is available in two dual motor, AWD versions – Long Range and Performance. Both trims get their power from a 75 kWh battery pack.
The Long Range Model Y can travel an EPA-estimated 326 miles on a single charge, while reaching a top speed of 135 mph. All while traveling 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
Tesla’s Performance Model Y offers a smaller EPA range of 303 miles, but can hit a top speed of 155 mph and can travel 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
Recently, there were rumors about a 400 mile range Model Y after Tesla filed for new versions of the EV with the Chinese government. However, those rumors have been quite exaggerated.
Standard Range RWD Model Y
, Tesla briefly launched a Standard Range RWD version of the Model Y on its website configurator. This single motor option offered 244 miles of range, a top speed of 135 mph, and a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds.
This was due to the fact that CEO Elon Musk was understandably not satisfied with its range. The future of the RWD Model Y remains quiet and uncertain, although it recently received an official EPA rating as one of the most efficient EVs in the world.
Tesla’s website revealed the Standard Range RWD Model Y had in fact returned as an available option, but only in Hong Kong. In August, Tesla China began delivering the first Standard Range Model Y EVs to customers alongside a full ceremony in which they could pick up their keys and drive off in their new, decorated Tesla.
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