Tesla slashes acceleration on base Model Y electric crossover

Tesla is retiring its Model Y Standard Range in China in favour of the new and more simply named 2022 Tesla Model Y, which will – as with a similar change in the Model 3 in late 2021 – also have its acceleration performance slashed.

The new acceleration for the Model Y from 0-100km/h is 6.9-seconds, compared to the previous model’s 5.4-seconds.

While the Model Y is still not yet available in Australia, Tesla received certification in October for local sale of three Model Y variants.

This revealed it is planning to sell a rear-wheel drive entry-level model with a 255kW motor and a 62.28kWh battery, as well as two dual-motor models, the Long Range with a 378kW motor and an 82.8kWh battery, and the Performance with a 393kW motor and a larger battery.

It would be safe to assume the new slower acceleration will be applied to the 62kWh variant locally.

In China, Tesla will likewise offer the new 2022 Tesla Model Y in three variants – two dual-motor all-wheel drive models, one with a longer battery life and the other a ‘Performance Edition’, along with the new entry-level rear-wheel drive model.

Starting at ¥301,840 in China, which converts to around $A66,500, the rear-wheel Model Y offers a top speed of 217km/h and a range of 545-kilometres.

This range is an increase on the previous 525-kilometre figure, but it appears this is likely to be a result of a change in testing methodology, from NEDC to CLTC, rather than any actual mechanical improvements.

Range for the Model Y long battery life is significantly increased compared to the entry-level model, up to 660-kilometres, while the Performance Edition drops down to 615-kilometres.

Conversely, the Model Y long battery life boasts the same top speed as the rear-wheel Model Y but acceleration of 0-100km/h of 5-seconds, while the Performance Edition boasts a top speed of 250km/h and acceleration of 0-100km/h of only 3.7-seconds.