Overview
Tesla Inc. (formerly Tesla Motors Inc.) was founded by American engineers, Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in 2003. They named the Palo Alto based company, Tesla, as a tribute to the engineer Nikola Tesla. In fact, Elon Musk (Co-Founder, Tesla) become involved with the company post the founding of Tesla Motors. He was the lead investor in the 2004 Series A investment round.
In 2008, Tesla unveiled its first zero-emission electric vehicle (EV), the all-electric Roadster. As they say, the rest is history. Tesla, Inc is a publicly listed company and has a market value higher than any other automotive manufacturer. Elon Musk is also ranked as one of the richest individuals in the world. According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, he is ranked second with a net worth of US$187 billion.
Tesla has the following battery-electric vehicle (BEV) models either in production or in development. In 2020, the EV company surpassed a production volume of 1 million plug-in electric cars.
- The all-electric Tesla Model S
- The all-electric Tesla Model 3
- The all-electric Tesla Model X
- The all-electric Tesla Model Y
- The all-electric Tesla Roadster
- The all-electric Tesla Cybertruck
Tesla also sells battery energy storage, solar panels, solar roof and other EV charging related equipment and accessories. Tesla also owns and operates a vast network of Tesla Superchargers (20,000+ across more than 4,500 locations).
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
- Types Of Electric Vehicles: A Short Guide
- Should I Buy An Electric Car In 2021?
- Top 20 Jargons Used In The Electric Vehicle Industry!
- UK Plug-In Electric Car Grant 2021
- What Is The Difference Between Conventional Hybrids and Plug-In Hybrids?
- Electric Car Home Charging OLEV EVHS Grant
- Best Electric Cars 2021
- Electric Cars Range: What Is WLTP?
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The All-Electric Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is a Tesla Model 3 based crossover with inspiration also taken from the Tesla Model X SUV. However the Model Y does not have the iconic ‘falcon wing doors’ used in the Model X. The Model Y has been developed to further increase the ‘mass market appeal’ of Tesla pure electric cars. A strategy very similar to the successful Tesla Model 3. However, unlike the Model 3, the Model Y has room for up to seven adults with an optional third row. The extra seats are an additional cost.
The battery electric vehicle (BEV) is packed with technology, to include, 12 sensors to detect nearby vehicles, a 160 m forward facing radar for a long-range view of distant objects and 360 degrees cameras to provide maximum visibility. The Model Y has ‘Full Self-Driving’ capability (option priced at US$ 10,000 in the US and EUR 7,500 in Italy). The Model Y will compete head-on with the Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV and also with the award winning Jaguar I-PACE electric SUV.
Tesla commenced Model Y deliveries for the US market in early 2020 (6 months ahead of schedule). Deliveries for the UK were slated for end 2020, however, this has now been moved to later in 2021 or potentially even 2022. There are currently two trim options, but a third option is expected in due course.
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Vehicle Type: | SUV (crossover) |
| Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In UK: | Yes |
| Trims (2 Options) |
|---|
| Long Range (UK prices yet to be disclosed. Priced at US$ 43,190 for the US market) |
| Performance (prices yet to be disclosed. Priced at US$ 53,190 for the US market) |
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Better priced than a Tesla Model X | Expensive. Cheaper pure electric alternatives available |
| Fast electric performance | additional 3rd row passengers will have very limited headroom given the sloping roofline |
| Good EV battery range and Supercharger network | Full Self-Driving option not cheap |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size (75 kWh) |
| Charging: | 250 kW rapid charging standard. On-board charger 11 kW AC (3-Phase) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Warranty: | 8 years or 120,000 miles |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1624 |
| Width (mm): | 1920 |
| Length (mm): | 4750 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2890 |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 75 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 326 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 171 |
| Charging: | 250 kW Rapid Charging (on-board charger: 11 kW AC) |
| Top Speed: | 135 mph |
| 0-60 mph: | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 258 |
| Max Power (PS): | 351 |
| Torque (Nm): | 527 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 (additional row option up to 7) |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Driving Modes: | N/A |
| Weight (kg): | 2,003 |
| Colours: | 5 |
| Tesla Model Y Performance | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 75 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 303 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 177 |
| Charging: | 250 kW Rapid Charging (on-board charger: 11 kW AC) |
| Top Speed: | 155 mph |
| 0-60 mph: | 3.5 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 340 |
| Max Power (PS): | 462 |
| Torque (Nm): | 639 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 (additional row option up to 7) |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Driving Modes: | N/A |
| Weight (kg): | 2,003 |
| Colours: | 5 |
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