The long-distance version of #Tesla Model Y: 600 km range will soon arrive in Europe
Tesla has stopped its affordable car project. The electric car that everyone was waiting for in the mass market is no longer available. Don’t panic though. The company expands its investments and releases a new high-range version of the Model Y. This car is supposed to be released in Europe. It may serve as a bridge for those who believe that electric cars are only used for short commutes.
The new model, officially named Tesla Model Y Long Range, promises a range of up to 600 kilometers on a single charge. This is quite a significant figure. Compared to the traditional high-end “Long Range All-Wheel Drive” model, the range has been extended by 45 kilometers. This makes the car attractive to those drivers who are concerned about the range anxiety.
Stripping Back to Go Further
How did Tesla squeeze in that extra 45km of range without adding a bigger battery pack? Back to basics.
The new version has removed the dual motor installation. Four-wheel drive is no longer needed. Instead, Tesla uses a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle. It has the same 79 kWh battery as the other models. The logic is simple. Less drag, less weight and more range.
Top speed is still 217 km/h. Model Y series standard configuration. However, the performance numbers still look pretty clear on paper.
One engine produces 300 to 346 horsepower, depending on market regulations. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes less than 6 seconds. It’s not a track monster, but it certainly isn’t slow.
Pricing and Availability
The car is already available to order in Germany, Spain and Italy. France now has no choice but to wait.
In this early market, their price is just under 50,000 euros. This leaves French buyers in a difficult position. Due to current regulations, vehicles costing more than 47,000 euros are no longer entitled to “Ecobonus”. Government subsidies will disappear unless Tesla decides to eat part of its profits.
This new Long Range model will be slots into the existing hierarchy. There is currently a RWD (propulsion) base model, an earlier twin-engine long-range version and a high-performance circuit version. This new model fills that gap for those looking for maximum range without paying for the added features of a performance badge.
Is it worth the wait?
The problem is not only with the battery. It’s all about strategy. Tesla has ditched cheap cars to focus on profits and sales. Model Y is the volume king.
By extending the range here, it’s aimed at the most skeptical of buyers. People who bought gas cars last month because they had to travel more than 500 kilometers in the real world. Now they have a reason to switch.
Will Tesla lower prices in France? perhaps. But now the focus is on pushing these 600-km units to the market with good infrastructure. The technology has been stripped away. The range is up. Prices are…complicated.
One thing is clear. The range anxiety argument is weakening.
