Automotive Manufacturers Globally, To Included The Famed EV Manufacturer, Tesla Inc., Are Being Forced To Shutdown As Governments Across The World Fight To Contain The Coronavirus Pandemic!
Due to the global coronavirus predicament, the California based electric vehicle manufacturer, Tesla Inc. has been forced to halt production of the highly anticipated Tesla Model Y battery-electric vehicle (BEV).
The all-electric compact SUV, modelled after the very successful pure electric Tesla Model 3 (same platform), is being manufactured at the production facilities in Fremont, California. However, as governments across the world commence imposing lockdowns and restrictions, Tesla has been forced into a three-week lockdown.
It is certainly a significant setback for the leading electric car manufacturer, given its plans to scale the production of the Tesla Model Y. Elon Musk, the co-founder of Tesla Inc., has remained keen to continue manufacturing, however, authorities at Alameda county are keen to restrict activity to only what is essential. Elon Musk said in an email to employees “My frank opinion remains that the harm from the coronavirus panic far exceeds that of the virus itself.”
Earlier today, Volkswagen, the global automotive behemoth, also a leader in the zero-emission road transportation sector, announced it was suspending manufacturing in a number of locations across Europe. The German company will halt production in Spain, Portugal and Slovakia. It will also reduce work in its Italian factories. Volkswagen sells pure electric vehicles like the all-electric Audi e-tron, the all-electric VW ID.3 part of the VW ID.Family and the all-electric Porsche Taycan. Other manufacturers to also suspend production include, Toyota, BMW, Honda and Nissan.
Only in time, will we gain clarity of the impact of the Tesla shutdown on the deliveries of the Tesla Model Y. Having said that, Tesla had commenced deliveries of the Model Y last week (US market), well ahead of schedule (6 months). Deliveries for the UK were slated for end 2020, however, this may now be moved to 2021. Also earlier this Month, Elon Musk Tweeted that Tesla has manufactured one million electric vehicles!
However, in the meantime, for those unfamiliar with the Model Y, below is a brief recap. It is the second all-electric SUV from Tesla after the Model X. The Model Y is available in two variants, the Performance and the Long Range AWD. Both variants seat up to 7 adults.
The Performance variant can accelerate 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, while the Long Range variant will achieve it in 4.8 seconds. The Long Range has an estimated WLTP of 314 miles on a single charge, while the Performance variant can achieve up to 298 emission-free miles. As expected the Performance Model Y has a higher top speed (150 mph) compared to 135 mph for the Long Range. The Model Y is expected to be priced around £36,000.
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