Tesla Model Y deliveries to re-commence ‘ASAP’, ahead of 2022 UK launch

Deliveries of the new Tesla Model Y, Elon Musk's new all-electric SUV, are set to re-commence in the US soon now the factory in Fremont has reopened.

The California factory was forced to close on 23 March due to the coronavirus outbreak, a decision Elon Musk has been battling to turn around ever since. Tesla is now sending notification emails to Model Y reservation holders that they will be contacted with delivery dates “as soon as possible”, according to Torque News.

As far as we know, the Model Y’s UK launch is still set for 2022.

Slotting in between the compact Model 3 and the larger Model X, it’s priced from $39,000 – that’s around £32,000 at today’s exchange rates, but UK prices are still to be confirmed.

Owing to its middling position in the range, it gets styling carryovers from both the compact Model 3 and huge Model X SUV, and actually shares 75% of its components with the smaller model.

In the cabin, you’ll find a very familiar-looking dashboard carried straight out of the Model 3 – a 15in touchscreen controls most of the car’s functions. Tesla’s semi-autonomous Autopilot system will be included on more expensive models, too.

Size-wise, it’s a competitor to the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, but unlike the German pair, it will be available as a seven seater. A large tailgate and a total load pay of more than 1,800 litres (with all rear seats down) will make it a much more practical proposition to the Model 3 Saloon.

The Model Y line-up is set to launch with the ‘Long Range’, Dual-Motor’ and ‘Performance’ models in the US. The Long Range is capable of up to 300 miles between charges.

The Dual Motor will offer a lower range of 280 miles, but gets a 135mph top speed and a 4.8-second 0-60mph time.

The range-topping Performance model will get the same 280-mile range, but ups the top speed to 150mph and lowers 0-60mph acceleration to 3.5secs. The entry-level ‘Standard Range’ model will launch in 2021. It gets 230 miles of range and a 120mph top speed. 0-60mph stands at 5.9secs.

Given the increasing popularity of crossovers and SUVs, the Model Y is an extremely important car for the California-based manufacturer, with stiff competition coming from mainstream premium brands.

No UK prices have been revealed yet. We’ll bring you more details on the Model Y as we receive details, but the first models are likely to arrive in Europe by 2022. Quite a wait then.

If you fancy an electric crossover right now, how about the Hyundai Kona Electric?  We sampled one for a week – find out how we got on or alternatively, find Hyundai Kona Electric lease deals here.