It seems like Tesla is inescapable in the news today. In addition to the current car lineup of the Model S, Model X, and Model 3, there is now a new vehicle coming down the pipeline: the Tesla Model Y.
What’s the latest on the Tesla Model Y? (Updated March 2019)
It’s here – the Tesla Model Y was officially unveiled at a Tesla event on March 15th, 2019, just as promised by Elon Musk. With seating for seven, 0-60 acceleration in 3.5 seconds for top-end versions, 300 miles of electric range, and all the software perks that are already part of the Tesla car lineup, the Model Y is an exciting addition to the electric vehicle world. The Tesla website states that the vehicle is expected to hit production in late 2020, so there’s still lots of time before we see these cars on the road. Expected models are Standard Range, Long Range, Dual Motor AWD, and Performance.
Keeping up with Model Y news: what you might have missed
In May 2018, Elon Musk first hinted at the possibility of a new Tesla model coming in the near future. “Maybe a little less than two years, but basically first half of 2020 for production of Model Y,” he said during an annual company shareholder meeting. Without placing too much weight on the production target, this statement certainly indicated the company’s intention to bring a new vehicle to market in the next couple of years. Shortly before the official breaking ground ceremony at Tesla’s new Gigafactory 3 in Shanghai, Elon Musk seemed to confirm on Twitter that the new factory would be the production point for some or all of the Model Y capacity once the car actually launches.
In summer 2018, Tesla released the image below as a teaser picture for the Model Y. From this and other sources, it appeared the forthcoming car was expected to be a small crossover-type vehicle with a hatchback. The one concrete point of design reference is that Elon Musk had stated the Model Y will have the same Falcon Wings as the Model X. Otherwise, we expected a similar, smaller design than the SUV-type Model X with more room than the Model 3.
During Tesla’s 2018 third quarter financial results call, Elon Musk said that he had approved a Model Y prototype for production in 2020. Musk further elaborated that the company plans to unveil the Model Y on March 15, 2019. Given the Tesla’s previously missed deadlines with other car models and the Tesla Solar Roof, the actual release timeline for the Model Y could have ended up being drastically different than what Musk and other Tesla officials were saying.
Model Y design
The Model Y is built on the same foundation and principles as the highly-touted Model 3, but with more room for extra seating. According to Musk himself, the car will share about 75 percent of its components with the Model 3. It will have 66 cubic feet of space, the signature 15-inch touchscreen control panel, and will look and feel much like the Model 3.
Color options will be solid black, metallic silver, blue, white, and red. The interior can be styled black or white, and if you want, there are options for white or black wheel rims.
Model Y technical specifications
Once again, Tesla is promising a very high-performance vehicle with the Model Y. Depending on the model you order (Standard Range, Long Range, Dual Motor AWD, or Performance), here’s what the technical specifications of your car will look like:
Model Y lineup technical specifications
| Model | Standard Range | Long Range | Dual Motor AWD | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 230 miles | 300 miles | 280 miles | 280 miles |
| Top Speed | 120 mph | 130 mph | 135 mph | 150 mph |
| 0-60 mph | 5.9 sec | 5.5 sec | 4.8 sec | 3.5 sec |
Model Y cost: what to expect
The Model Y is about 10% bigger than the Model 3, and prices reflect that. Here are the listed costs from Tesla’s website for each of the upcoming versions of their new crossover:
| Model | Standard Range | Long Range | Dual Motor AWD | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $49,000 | $47,000 | $51,000 | $60,000 |
| Price after gas savings | $44,700 | $42,700 | $46,700 | $55,700 |
All of the models listed are set to become available in late 2020, save the Standard Range, which is supposed to hit production in the spring of 2021. Importantly, if you want to reserve a Model Y now, there is a $2,500 deposit required.
Power your new Tesla sustainably with solar energy
With their purchase of SolarCity a few years ago, Tesla made their wider intentions clear: to create a unique energy company built on solar energy and electric vehicles. The Tesla Solar Roof is their own unique product in the solar energy space, but Tesla also works with Panasonic to produce more typical solar panels.
Regardless of whether you’re considering the Solar Roof or want to install a solar array to help power your new electric vehicle, the best way to shop for a solar installation is by comparing quotes on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace. Our platform lets you freely compare solar quotes from local, qualified solar installers at some of the best prices available. Get started today by seeing what your solar savings potential might be with our Solar Calculator tool.
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But Musk has already decried the number of manufacturing robots used to build the Model 3, and on today’s call, he spotlighted one such robot — nicknamed “Flufferbot” — that is used to place fiberglass mats on tops of the vehicles’ battery packs. To be sure, Musk said the “vast majority” of Tesla’s vehicle manufacturing is automated, but it sounds like he wants to apply that automation more strategically for the Model Y.