The Tesla Model Y Is Set To Be The Future Of The Electric Vehicle
The Tesla Model Y was unveiled in March 2019 by CEO Elon Musk. Production of the Model Y actually began in early 2020 ahead of schedule from the original late 2020 timeframe. Ever since first deliveries began in March 2020, the vehicle has received high marks from new owners. More and more Model Y’s are currently being delivered and the number delivered is set to skyrocket in the coming years.
How did Tesla reach this point in their story?
Tesla Roadster — What started it all
It all started with Elon Musk’s plan to build low-volume and high-priced vehicles and eventually evolving to high-volume and low-priced vehicles. Musk’s “master plan to success” started with the 2008 Tesla Roadster that was unveiled in 2006. Based off the Lotus Elise roadster, Musk counted on early adopters to support the Tesla Roadster in order to use the earnings to proceed with his plan. Starting in the low $100,000s, early adopters were able to purchase an all-electric roadster that went 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds. This offer was enticing to customers that were willing to put their trust on a first generation electric vehicle manufactured by a new car company.
Tesla Model S — One of the most important cars of the 2010s
The first part of Musk’s plan was a success. In 2012, the 2013 Tesla Model S was unveiled to the world. The second step in the master plan was to use earnings from the first step to build the mid-volume and mid-priced Model S. The Model S fit well in the full-size luxury car segment. It competed with well-established rivals like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The Model S was Tesla’s first vehicle to feature the company’s Autopilot self driving system. Autopilot is Tesla’s first step into their autonomous future. One day the company hopes for all cars on the road to be able to drive themselves. It is an understatement that the Model S was an important car. The Model S showed the world that an electric vehicle can be attractive and fast. However, the second part of the master plan was not over.
Tesla Model X — The fastest SUV in the world
As the 2010s continued on and as Americans began favoring SUV’s, part of Tesla’s second step in the master plan was to introduce an SUV that was also mid-volume and mid-priced. Based off of the Model S, the Tesla Model X was a mid-size luxury crossover SUV that also competed with the well established luxury rivals. The Model X was known most for its falcon wing doors. As Musk advertised on stage, the doors allowed for easier ingress and egress for rear seat passengers. Musk also advertised that the Model X had the functionality of a minivan but drove like a sports car. Today, both the Model S and Model S feature 0 to 60 times in under 3 seconds. Both cars also have ranges of nearly 400 miles. These successful mid-volume and mid-priced cars set the path for Tesla’s final steps in the master plan.
Tesla Model 3 — The final step that shocked the industry
In 2016, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 was unveiled to the world. At the advertised starting price of $35,000, this was part of the master plan’s high-volume and low-priced car that competed in the entry-level premium car segment. This is the car that took Tesla to production hell and back. Within the first year, this car received hundreds of thousands of reservations. It took Tesla the first couple of years to catch up in production. The amount of people placing a deposit for a reservation on the car was mindblowing. This eventually led to the Model 3 to becoming the best selling electric vehicle ever. With a range of over 300 miles and a 0 to 60 of under 4 seconds, sales of the Tesla Model 3 grew exponentially compared to many of its premium competitors as of late 2019.
The Model 3 also outsold all well-known electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. The Model 3 has actually been compared to well known mainstream cars like the Toyota Camry. The Model 3 is cheaper to operate than the Toyota Camry due the absence of necessary regular maintenance found in regular combustion engine vehicles. Oil changes and engine maintenance are nonexistent with the Model 3. Going into a service center to get your oil change is a thing of the past with electric vehicles. In addition, electricity is much cheaper than traditional gasoline. Some people are already spending 30 minutes to fill up their tank of gas at Costco in order to save a dollar. Tesla’s supercharger network allows their cars to fully charge from empty at a fraction of the cost of gasoline and in less than the amount of time people spend at a Costco gas station. With referral links and Tesla’s free supercharging offers, supercharging a Tesla can even end up being free! Over the course of 5 years, it will be cheaper to own a Tesla Model 3 than a base model Toyota Camry. With all of its features like a fast 0–60 time, 15 inch center touchscreen and Autopilot, it is clear why the Tesla Model 3 is more appealing for new car shoppers compared with the mainstream Toyota Camry with none of those features. Yet again, Tesla has shown the world that not only can an electric vehicle be attractive and fast, but also affordable for the mass market.
Tesla Model Y — The Future of the Electric Vehicle
We are now back in the present day. Many Model 3 owners have voiced their opinion on how the Model 3 can be better. The top wishes owners wanted were more interior room, a higher ride height, and a trunk with more space. The Tesla Model Y is the answer. Based off of the Model 3, the Model Y is the master plan’s final part that takes the Model 3 platform and raises it to become a 5 or 7 passenger crossover SUV. Competing in the competitive compact premium crossover SUV segment, the Model Y is set to be the future of the electric vehicle because of all of its promising features. According to a New York Times article, 70% of new car buyers are either buying a SUV or a truck. Both have more interior space, a higher seating position, and lots of space for cargo. The Model Y is the perfect Tesla for everyone. It features everything just mentioned that’ll appeal to buyers in addition to a very attractive starting price. The entry level standard range Model Y is set to begin production in 2021. With the progress Tesla made on the first batch of their Model Y’s, it won’t be surprising if production begins sooner than 2021. With an advertised entry level price of $39,000 that grants you a low cost to operate car, Autopilot, Full-Self Driving capability, and a fast 0–60 time, this is the electric vehicle combining the best of everything into one perfect electric crossover SUV.
We will have to see in the coming years on how exactly Tesla’s final step of their master plan will play out. We do know that Tesla has one promising electric vehicle up its sleeve. Tesla has proven themselves as a company that for sure will surprise the public. There is no doubt that the Model Y will take all of what Tesla has shown to the world to the next level. Now, the world will see that an electric crossover SUV is attractive, fast and affordable. It is certain that in the very near future, we will see lots of Model Y’s in the wild. Musk’s “S3XY” cars are sure to smoke all of the jealous muscle car and sports car owners at the stoplight.
