There were big changes at the Tesla headquarters recently, starting from the name of the company which was ‘Tesla Motors Inc’ to ‘Tesla Inc’ all the way to new car making policies and ideas. We were told to expect at least two new models in next two years and massive expansion when it comes to production.
We are all expecting the Tesla Model 3, but the company recently announced a new crossover compact based on the model mentioned above. That’s the new Model Y which will be quite similar to Model 3 when it comes to price. Therefore it will be more affordable.
Price
The speculated price of Model 3 is somewhere around $37,000 (30,000 pounds), and the Model Y is said to be a bit more expensive. The CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk, also added that there would be numerous optional features for these cars which will certainly raise the price for those buyers that like to get the most out of their vehicles. Elon also said that these optional features are not to be dismissed since they will present big upgrades for these cars.
Even though the company sold around seven million crossovers of all types last year in the US, Musk exclaimed that their emphasis would stay on the Model 3. But, we predict that Model Y will be a better seller than Model 3. We will see whether this gamble will pay off.
Tesla Model Y Specs
When it comes to specs, we don’t know much. We expect it to have those trademark rear ‘falcon wing’ doors just like the Model X SUV. The production is set to start later this year, so it is unlikely that it will be revealed until 2018. Other than that, the Model Y is expected to have updated electrical engines which will improve the autonomous driving feature. The company also promised twelve ultrasonic sensors and a brand new front radar designed to endure worst of weather and driving conditions and eight new cameras that will provide an all-around 360-degree view of the surroundings. It is understandable that the company introduced the new radar since the last one had major problems while driving in fog or heavy rain.
Elon also mentioned that the new AI that controls electric system is considerably better and stronger than ones in previous Tesla cars. However, this computer system will set you back for another 7000 pounds. And what’s even worse laws and regulations could pose a threat to this system and prevent it from being used.
Another thing worth mentioning is the potential problem with pricing since the Model 3 and Model Y should have big batteries in order to provide longer periods of driving and better endurance.
The basic, entry level, Model 3 is speculated to have a sub-60kWh battery which will have to provide for the range of 230 miles. We noticed that Model Y has a bigger front end that is meant for larger battery needed to provide the same range. Therefore we expect slightly higher price.
Another major obstacle that Tesla has to overcome is the problem with profits. They’ve spent almost $2 billion since 2010 on bigger car production and battery-making factories (Gigafactory) all in order to increase production to 500,000 units per year. However, this is nothing out of the ordinary since every big automaker had a similar beginning to Teslas’.
Musk’s company produced somewhere around 80,000 vehicles last year however they claimed that the capacity was 2000 cars per week by the half of 2016. This year they have more than 40,000 deposits taken for Model 3, so technically they will have to produce over 100,000 vehicles before the end of the year. That’s a brave move by Musk but that’s not the original intention, he said that the company aims to build 500,000 cars per year starting in 2019.
These bold plans will surely test Tesla’s capabilities and only the time will tell whether this will be a success.
