First Tesla Model Y spotted in UK ahead of deliveries, but is Australia launch any closer?

Published by

Bridie Schmidt

10 January 2022 12:14 PM

Source: Drew Post/twitter

A pair of right-hand drive Tesla Model Y electric crossovers have been spotted in the UK ahead of deliveries and test drives, it has been revealed.

Images on Twitter showing two Model Ys, in deep blue and midnight silver, were shared by US expat Drew Post on Saturday after Tesla posted test drive events on its website.

“Say hello to two of the first RHD Tesla Model Ys in the UK,” said Post on Twitter.

Tesla also informed UK reservation holders last week that they should “prepare for delivery”, it was reported.

The Tesla Model Y is the Californian EV maker’s fourth production vehicle. It differs from its stablemate, the Tesla Model 3, in that it has a larger rear end with a hatchback as opposed to a boot.

It is highly anticipated in Australia but its arrival has seemingly been delayed, having been expected by the end of 2021. Tesla Australia has declined to reveal the reasons behind the delay, or when a launch in Australia will eventuate.

However, preparations for deliveries in the UK are surely a step closer to a local launch. How soon, though, is hard to say as supply chain and logistics issues and cell constraints continue to dog many industries as the Covid pandemic enters its third year.

Tesla’s Model Y test drive events commenced on Saturday and will be held until January 25, 2022 at Thorpe Park in Chertsey and Trafford in Manchester.

Weighing in around 10% heavier than the Model 3 sedan, the Model Y likewise offers about 11-12% less driving range. It is currently only available in the UK in Long Range and Performance formats, even though in fellow right-hand-drive market Hong Kong, it is also available in a Standard Range format (now officially named without the SR suffix).

While range has not been divulged yet on Tesla’s Australia website, in metric-minded Hong Kong this basic variant Model Y offers 455km driving range compared to the Model 3’s 491km, while the Long Range trim offers 547km compared to the Model 3 Long Range’s 614km (all based on the combined WLTP cycle).

Bridie Schmidt

Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.