If you have been following this blog, you’ll note that I use this space on the internet to blog about all things Tesla. I previously posted about the standard range Model 3 here. In this blog I will detail the latest about the Tesla Model Y and how I see the uptake in Australia.
On Thursday evening in the US, Elon Musk spoke about the history of Tesla. Starting with the original Roadster, and the history and journey of Model S, Model X and the struggles that clearly nearly ended Tesla with the Model 3.
It was refreshing to hear Elon talk about Tesla Solar Roof and Powerwall and the fact that Tesla would spend this year refocusing on home energy. Australia has had extremely long wait times when it comes to Powerwall installations and has been a market with strong uptake of batteries.
Model Y
The Tesla Model Y will initially come in rear-wheel long range and dual motor all-wheel drive in both long range and performance models. Pricing will start at $47,000 USD for the rear-wheel drive, $51,000 for dual motor all-wheel drive long range and $60,000 for dual motor all-wheel drive performance. So in summary, the Model Y is about $4,000 to $5,000 more expensive than the Model 3. For customers that place a $2,5000 deposit down now will see them in the front of the queue once production begins towards the end of 2020.
Tesla has noted that the standard range Model Y will begin production in early 2021. In terms of available options, the colour range and pricing is the same as Model 3 as are the wheel options available to choose from. White interior can be added for $1,000 and a third row of seats can also be added for $3,000. Note, adding the third row seats comes with the caveat that these models will be available in 2021 some time.
Australia mid-sized SUV uptake
Caradvice recently published an article outlining that medium sized SUV market in Australia is soon to overtake small cars. It was noted that some 42.6% of the Australian car market was owned by SUV’s followed by the next category at just 33.8%. It was noted that in the first 4 months of 2018, some 52,886 medium sized SUV’s were sold. Of this, 8,696 were in the premium category (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, Land Rover, Porsche, Volvo and Range Rover), so this market makes up some 16.4% of the market.
As you can tell, I think there is quite the opportunity for Tesla to succeed in the Australian market. I am very optimistic that we will see good uptake in Model 3 when it hits our shores this year and that trend will continue with the Model Y, I’d say coming to Australia towards the end of 2021.
What are your thoughts of the Tesla Model Y? Is this a car you think you’d purchase for your family car? Let me know via the comments below and as always, thanks for reading!
