Tesla has announced that deliveries of its Model Y electric compact SUV have begun, and that the Fremont factory where it is produced will continue to operate despite a global automotive shutdown.
Early buyers of the all-electric crossover have started receiving their cars, and an official video posted to Tesla's Twitter feed (below) shows the Model Y in operation. It comes as car manufacturers worldwide enter a state of shutdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic; it had initially been reported that Tesla's Fremont plant would close - as a result of the 'shelter in place' policy being implemented in California - but it has been deemed an 'essential business', and will remain open for the foreseeable future.
Model Y deliveries begin!
The first versions to arrive will be the Long Range, Dual Motor and Performance models. The car is likely to arrive in the UK by 2022, based on previous Tesla model roll-outs globally.
The Long Range model will offer 315 miles of range, a 130mph top speed and a 5.5sec 0-60mph time, and will be priced from $47,000 (around £35,500). The Dual Motor will start from $51,000 (£38,500) and have a lower range of 280 miles, a higher top speed of 135mph and a 4.8sec 0-60mph time.
The Performance model also offers 280 miles of range, but its top speed is increased to 150mph and its 0-60mph sprint time reduced to 3.5sec. It will go on sale for $60,000 around (£45,000).
A Standard Range version will follow later in Spring 2021 for $39,000 (roughly £26,000), with a 230-mile range, a 120mph top speed and a 5.9sec 0-60mph time.
The Model Y is compatible with Tesla’s third-generation Superchargers, which are capable of 250kW charging. Cars will be able to recover 75 miles of range in five minutes, with a peak charging rate equivalent to 1000 miles for every hour. Tesla now has more than 12,000 Superchargers globally across 36 countries.
Inside, the Model Y has a similar interior layout to the Model 3, with a single 15.0in touchscreen interface containing all of the car’s controls, and no traditional instrument cluster. It also includes the same "self-driving" hardware, including Autopilot, which can be unlocked for a fee and upgraded wirelessly as new features gain approval from regulatory bodies.
Split-folding second-row seats and a front boot provide a maximum storage space of 1869 litres. Its rear hatchback should prove more convenient when loading than the Model 3's tailgate.
