First drive on UK roads of Model Y electric SUV – and latest news on 4680 battery version and Berlin gigafactory
► Latest news of 4680 battery and Berlin factory
The Y measures about 50mm longer than the 3 and the roof sits some 200mm higher: its 4.75m length is similar to a BMW X3’s. There are five seats in a spacious cabin, behind which sits a vast 854-litre boot. In America you can spec two occasional seats in a third row, but they're not available to order in the UK yet.
On the straights, the Model Y has a wondrous ability to warp from here to there – its ‘standard’ acceleration is far from standard and actually a cut above the mainstream EV pack. The benchmark burst from standstill to 62mph disappears in 5secs flat. Thank the electric motors on both the front and rear axles, producing a combined 469bhp and 424lb ft of torque.
You access the Model Y by placing a credit card-style ‘key’ on the B-pillar – it’s a bit fiddly to find the right spot – but it’s largely moot: most users will set up their smartphones to unlock the doors via near-field communication.Tesla’s less-is-more approach is familiar now, with no driver’s instruments and complete reliance on the central touchscreen for the speedo and functions such as the wipers or triggering side mirror adjustment.
And Tesla has announced that its midsize cars will get a 16 per cent range boost, as it rolls out developments including 4680 cylindrical batteries. Named after their dimensions , these cells are bigger in size than their predecessors, yet the cell’s densely packed internals means electrons have less far to travel to generate current.
In the meantime, UK right-hand drive models will come from the Shanghai factory, suggesting the 2170 battery models will be arriving here for a while yet.The Model Y is well equipped, with standard kit including the glass roof, ‘premium’ sound system with 14 speakers, powered front seats and four heated perches, plus a raft of safety features including blind spot monitoring, lane departure back-up and automated forward braking.
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