The Tesla Model Y rollout may not be getting the attention the Model 3 rollout got — not even close — and is clearly overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic we’re all suffering through (some much more than others). Nonetheless, this has been a highly anticipated electric vehicle for years and could be the top selling electric vehicle in the world before long. It could even become one of the 10 top selling passenger vehicles in the world.
So, despite our preoccupations right now, millions surely want to know more about the Model Y from early owners’ perspectives. One such owner is offering a unique and hopefully helpful take, as he’s a Tesla Model 3 owner as well. Dick Amacher, who just published an article on CleanTechnica about his first impressions of the Model Y, will show off the car and make himself available in a webinar to anyone who wants to pepper him with questions … as long as that person is a CleanTechnica subscriber and gets the special link.
As a taster, here are some of his first thoughts about the Model Y from his first day with the electric SUV:
- Neither Model 3 nor Model Y now comes with HomeLink remote opener included. I am told this change was made during 2019 due to feedback of low customer use. Since I do use this feature, I had to order a module from the Tesla online store for an additional $300 plus tax. When I receive it, a service appointment must be scheduled for installation. It would be nice to have it installed at delivery for the convenience of those who want it.
- The Model Y (at least the Performance trim) includes a wireless phone charger in the console and uses the USB-C plug located in the left position.
- The seating position and head room are markedly higher than Model 3, as you would expect. I am still figuring out the best wheel and seat positions. The higher position provides a better view, which most drivers seem to like and expect.
- Rear seat leg room seems greater, but the wheelbase of the two cars is only slightly different, so I must check it.
- The main event is the hatch. Once released, it raises itself to expose a cavernous cargo area. A pushbutton on the bottom of the hatch causes it to close automatically. I suspect this is still inconvenient for those standing around five feet tall. I’ll ask my wife to verify this.
- As noted by others, there are seat back release switches in the left rear trim panel to fold the seats down without reaching in through the rear side doors. The center seat back can also be manually lowered to allow long objects to be carried without sacrificing either rear outer occupant seat.
- Driving home at modest expressway speeds, the consumption definitely is higher than in the Model 3. This was a concern with opting for the 21” wheels and tires, but my choice was to go all in for this car. Although the website still shows this combination with a range of 280 miles with these wheels, the window sticker provided shows a range of 315 miles, the same as base wheels. Interesting? Although I have not charged to full capacity, it appears that when I do, the indicated range will be more than 280 miles but less than 315 miles. Also, the algorithm showing charging miles per hour seems to show about 34 mph on my 40 amp home charger whereas the Model 3 shows 39 mph. So far, so good.
- Because I reserved at reveal, the pricing is a little lower than currently. The base price is $490 less and FSD was priced at $5000.
I’m certainly curious to hear more about the differences between the Model Y and Model 3 — and which one Dick would choose to keep if he could only choose one!
All photos © Dick Amacher