Model Y gets added features ahead of long awaited Australian launch

The Tesla Model Y – now the top selling EV in some key markets – appears to be getting some last minute upgrades ahead of its long awaited launch in Australia.

The Model Y – the big sister, or brother, of the already best selling Model 3, is not yet available for order in Australia, although speculation is rife that the configuration and order page is about to open.

In the meantime, there are multiple rumoured upgrades to the crossover SUV floating around, including a new 16-volt lithium-ion auxiliary battery and several cosmetic updates.

News of a possible upgrade to the old 12-volt battery to a lithium-ion battery first emerged in late 2021, although details of whether it would be a 12-volt or 16-volt is not yet clear.

One Tesla customer posted on social media that a 16-volt li-ion battery had been used in the Shanghai-made Model Y Performance in November 2021.

However, according to Chinese Tesla watcher Jay in Shanghai, a vehicle taken apart by a Chinese team found a 12-volt under the hood.

Now, recent reports suggest that the battery upgrade will be a 16-volt, although there is very little in the way of confirmation other than reference to a “recent Hong Kong media round”.

Ze Car reported a 16-volt lithium-ion auxiliary battery would replace the previous 12-volt lead acid battery used in other vehicles. The new battery would be lighter, more compact, and expected to last significantly longer with the ability to recharge alongside the Model Y’s main battery pack.

Unlike Tesla’s premium vehicles, for which manuals do a 15.5-volt the auxiliary battery voltage, similar information is not available for the Model 3 and Model Y. Instead, the technical specifications say “Low voltage negative (-) ground” (and yes, this is an Australian Model Y manual).

Other cosmetic updates reported include double glazed rear windows – where before they were only on the front – a folding parcel shelf for the boot, and the new no-cost standard colour has been switched from the more attractive Pearl White Multi-Coat to a Solid Black.

These updates may not come as a surprise, as reports have circulated since late 2021 that these updates were coming, thanks to rumours coming out of Tesla’s Giga Shanghai, where Australia’s Tesla vehicles will be made.

This reported confirmation joins additionally announced upgrades including the more powerful AMD Ryzen processor and longer taillight bulbs – both of which are already found in new Model 3s.

The continued slow drop of unofficial and “reported” information continues to whet the appetite of Australians eagerly anticipating the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, both of which are due to launch in Australia in the near future.

A pricing leak suggested the Model Y would start at $A67,900, although a later report that the local Model Y order page was being tested and a customer was able to place an order suggested the pricing was not yet set in stone.

The leaked pricing for “corporate and industry customers” failed to include any details for the popular mid-spec Long Range variant, which could be an indication of the fact it won’t be coming to Australia, or simply evidence of nothing at all .

Tesla does limit what is available in some countries, such as the United Kingdom and Europe, where only the Long Range and Performance Model Y variants are available. That being said, the Long Range Model Y has received Australia certification.

The RWD Model Y is spec’d as offering a 455-kilometre (WLTP) driving range and acceleration of 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds, thanks to a single rear motor delivering 255kW power output.

The Performance AWD variant, however, sees these numbers jump, with a 480-kilometre (WLTP) range and acceleration of 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds thanks to dual motors delivering 393kW of power output.

The Performance variant also offers an unlocked top speed of 250km/h, 21” Überturbine wheels, performance brakes, lowered suspension, and aluminium alloy pedals.

The Long Range variant, if it ever makes it to Australia, offers a driving range of 505-kilometres (WLTP) and acceleration of 100km/h in 5 seconds thanks to dual motors putting out 378kW of power.

While it is expected the Model Y could launch in Australia by the end of the year, it’s just as likely to launch sometime in 2023, given the continued supply chain issues impacting the automotive sector across the globe and more recently, shutdowns in Shanghai resulting in a slashing of production output.