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$187 billion.
Tesla has the following battery-electric vehicle (BEV) models either in production or in development. In 2020, the EV company surpassed a production volume of 1 million plug-in electric cars.
- The all-electric Tesla Model S
- The all-electric Tesla Model 3
- The all-electric Tesla Model X
- The all-electric Tesla Model Y
- The all-electric Tesla Roadster
- The all-electric Tesla Cybertruck
Tesla also sells battery energy storage, solar panels, solar roof and other EV charging related equipment and accessories. Tesla also owns and operates a vast network of Tesla Superchargers (20,000+ across more than 4,500 locations).
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The All-Electric Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is a Tesla Model 3 based crossover with inspiration also taken from the Tesla Model X SUV. However the Model Y does not have the iconic ‘falcon wing doors’ used in the Model X. The Model Y has been developed to further increase the ‘mass market appeal’ of Tesla pure electric cars. A strategy very similar to the successful Tesla Model 3. However, unlike the Model 3, the Model Y has room for up to seven adults with an optional third row. The extra seats are an additional cost.
The battery electric vehicle (BEV) is packed with technology, to include, 12 sensors to detect nearby vehicles, a 160 m forward facing radar for a long-range view of distant objects and 360 degrees cameras to provide maximum visibility. The Model Y has ‘Full Self-Driving’ capability (option priced at US$ 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). There are currently two trim options, but a third option is expected in due course.
PROS | CONS |
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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 |
The All-Electric Tesla Model Y (credit:Tesla)
At A Glance | |
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EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | SUV (crossover) |
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In UK: | Yes |
Variants (2 Options) |
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Long Range (from £54,990) |
Performance(from £64,990) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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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 |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
---|---|
Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh | £2.40 |
Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh | £4.32 |
Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh | £5.64 |
Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh | £6.48 |
Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh | £7.20 |
Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh | £9.22 |
Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh | £10.22 |
Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh | £11.09 |
Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh | £12.96 |
Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh | £14.40 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
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Height (mm): | 1624 |
Width (mm): | 1920 |
Length (mm): | 4750 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2890 |
Cargo Volume: | 854 L |
Tesla Model Y Long Range | |
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EV Battery Capacity: | 75 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 315 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): | 298 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 |