Of course, the fans are loving it and the trolls are, well, trolls. There’s a tweet that’s out there, as a reply to every other Tesla tweet, that shows a roof leaking in a Tesla back seat. Perhaps it’s a disgruntled customer but from the constant re-tweeting of this clip it seems more likely that its from the underground Tesla resistance (Oil Companies, Short Sellers, etc).
There are, at the same time, thankfully, genuine lovers that are more expressive, and it seems creative, like this guy:
There are more than just fans in the thread – there seems to be actual joy emanating from Model Y owners. And S3XY fun seems to be permeating the attitude In the responses to this tweet – which is a pretty big departure from the usual war zone of every stripe and troll farmer present in so many topics and threads.
This fellow wanted to show off his 360˚ schmanzy fancy camera:
Tesla continues to hit new sales and tech milestones (not to mention the stock price)…
Throughout 2018 and 2019, Tesla delivered 612,120 vehicles. This is an impressive number, and a quota that surely upped the ante for Elon Musk‘s famed tech-car company. However, that striking figure has already been dwarfed by the number of pre-orders currently in place for Tesla’s upcoming Cybertruck.
According to Finbold, Tesla has already received 650,000 pre-orders for the Cybertruck. The bulk of these pre-orders (approximately 535,000 of them) took place before February of 2020. Naturally, fewer people placed orders as the coronavirus spread across the globe. Still, over 100,000 additional orders despite everything going on in the world is an enduring sign of the vehicle’s popularity.
Pre-ordering a concept with a precious few in circulation
Tesla first revealed the Cybertruck on November 21st in Los Angeles. It’s ultramodern aesthetic, with sharp lines, futuristic angles, and tankish wheels met polarizing reactions. Many even took to lampooning the vehicle on social media via memes. However, this generated increased publicity for the Cybertruck all the same, and the pre-orders eventually poured in.
Of course, not all pre-orders for the truck are guaranteed sales. Nevertheless, the 650,000 figure means that that many people are interested in the vehicle enough to reserve one, and each reservation requires a $100 deposit. Already, Tesla is earning money on the truck and if the copious pre-orders do turn into deliveries, the company will continue its trajectory of increased sales for every year since 2014.
Elon Musk and Tesla have recently earned some negative press while delivering their latest Model-Y cars, which are similarly in very high demand. Perhaps connected to the unanticipatedly large number of orders, Model-Ys have been notorious for quality control problems. Pre-ordered cars often come with incorrect paint, faulty interiors, asymmetrical features, and other mistakes.
Luckily, the company is already correcting its mistakes, and the issues have not hindered Tesla fans from remaining enthusiastic about the Cybertruck. Musk wants to start shipping them early next year, introducing the first EV truck onto the road and optimistically shifting the car market for the planet’s benefit.
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Originally set for production in late fall of 2020, during a call regarding Tesla’s recent third quarter (Q3) report, it was revealed to investors that they now plan to start Model Y production much earlier, and deliveries could be in full swing by Summer 2020. Elon Musk commented on the new schedule, “There may be some room for improvement there, but we’re confident about summer 2020”.
According to recent news, the arrival date for Model Y is rapidly approaching. However, the specs and relevant prices for the Standard Range, Long Range, and Performance versions should remain unchanged. Prices will range from the Rear-Wheel Drive Long Range version for $48,690 and Performance Range at $56,690. Those prices include include potential incentives and gas savings of $4,300.
The reason for this change in schedule as reported from the Q3 presentation comes from the “learnings and efficiencies gained from our Gigafactory in Shanghai, China” while producing Model 3.
Model Y is built on the same third-generation platform as Model 3 and shares many of the same components, which will most likely aid in the overall production process and keep the accelerated date for deliveries. Tesla has planned to extend their production operations and have already begun installing equipment for Model Y in their Fremont, California factory as well as the Gigafactories in Nevada, Shanghai and eventually in Europe.
The Model 3 is the by far the most popular EV sedan in the market. Bloomberg reported over 500k car registrations for the model, while other competition comes nowhere near Tesla in EV sales.
Tesla’s other models are all mainly based on sedan body styles (aside from Model X) and the shift to a different body style will be a pivotal move for the company as compliments the current buying trends for larger cars. “It’s the body style of choice,” said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst with Cox Automotive.
Model X is SUV-sized but more luxury priced, whereas the Model Y will be Tesla’s first midsize crossover, which allows consumers a more affordable alternative. Musk tweeted prior to the March 2019 review that Model Y is approximately 10% larger than Model 3 and will have normal doors rather than the falcon wings found on the Model X. Another unique feature with be the all-glass roof, giving drivers an unobstructed view of the sky. The Model Y can seat up to 7 passengers with an optional third row, with more seating and storage versatility; the second row seats can be easily folded for increased storage needs. Additionally, the Model Y’s lift gate will have a low trunk, making it easy to load and unload.
Model Y, being an SUV, is about 10% bigger than Model 3, so will cost about 10% more & have slightly less range for same battery
The more affordable Standard Range version is not yet on the site, but it’s expected to be priced at $39,000. The Standard Range version has a later production date and is anticipated for early 2021. Ahead of its official release, Model Y is available for order in North America, China and parts of Europe for a deposit of $2,500.
All new Tesla cars have standard advanced hardware capabilities with software updates to continuously improve a driver’s experience over time. The Model Y will have Autopilot, Smart Summon, and Full Self-Driving Capability. Autopilot features that have been designed to enable the vehicle to help with navigation, and as well as steer, accelerate and break within its lane automatically, which does require the driver to pay attention through supervision.
There are eight cameras that allow 360 visibility, twelve sensors to detect objects in the road and a forward facing radar to allow for optimal safety and aid in emergency braking, collision warning, and blind-spots. Smart Summon is another feature that will allow your car to come find you in a parking lot. Eventually, Full Self-Driving Capabilities will be fully introduced with software updates available in the future, with pending regulatory approval.
The specs for the official Model Y lineup are as follows:
Standard Range
Range: 230 miles
Top Speed: 120 mph
0-60 mph: 5.9s
Price: $39,000
Deliveries: Early 2021
Long Range – Rear-Wheel Drive
Range: 300 miles
Top Speed: 130 mph
0-60 mph: 5.5s
Price: $48,000
Deliveries: Summer 2020
Long Range – Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive
Range: 280 miles
Top Speed: 135 mph
0-60 mph: 4.8s
Price: $52,000
Deliveries: Summer 2020
Performance – Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive
Range: 280 miles
Top Speed: 150 mph
0-60 mph: 3.5s
Price: $61,000
Deliveries: Summer 2020
Tesla Model Y
Tesla EV-brand Upper Hand with Crossover Competition
Crossover cars, which function a lot like family-sized SUVs, have long been produced by gas-engine automakers, and these same companies have also attempted to sell electrical versions of these vehicles.
Some current EV crossovers are already in the marketplace (I- Pace from Jaguar, Niro EV from Kia, e-Tron from Audi, Leaf S Plus from Nissan, Bolt by Chevy, and Kona Electric from Hyundai). Ford with a “Mustang-inspired” EV crossover SUV. However, because they are primarily known as internal combustion engine (ICE) makers, their EV sales tank compared to their ICE vehicle sales.
Tesla can and most likely will take advantage of perfecting the missteps and limitations of their competitors. The standout between Tesla and other EV crossovers is that Tesla is still the only company solely focused on electric versus other gas-powered or ICE counterparts. Thus, Tesla has an advantage as they enter the crossover arena with Model Y because of their notoriety for producing all-electric vehicles.
Arguably, Tesla’s price range was one of the biggest obstacles in its way in regards to selling EVs to the general public. This predicted affordability touted by a brand name for prestige EV production is going to make going ‘all-electric,’ an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel, all the more possible for everyone.
Your Next New York Taxi ride? It will likely Soon be a Tesla…
The Model 3 has just been approved to join New York City’s taxi fleet.
Among the 40 vehicles approved, Model 3 is the only fully-electric car on the list. Usually, cars only get this kind of certification whenever an automotive manufacturer or individual requests it, but that’s not without some specific standards.
Man Texting in front of Tesla Amsterdam Showroom – Photo / Lynxotic
The qualifications for a vehicle to be certified as a New York taxi cab are simple: it must meet a certain minimum of interior space, have air conditioning installed for, have space for the clear partition between the driver and passengers, and also have its seats covered with an easy-to-clean material. Once approved, these cars can have their official taxi cab equipment installed, which requires a standardized paint job, exterior taxi lights, taxi signage, taxi meter, and interior partition.
Previously, electric cars were seldom used as taxi cabs because of their limited range and power. This was found in an experimental program with Nissan Leaf electric cars that ended in 2015. The problem that the Taxi & Limousine Commission noticed was that drivers were burdened by the significant limits of electric-powered vehicles compared to gas-powered vehicles. It was an especially big burden during hot weather that required extensive use of the air conditioner, which became another battery-draining source that would shorten the vehicle’s already short range even more.
However, Elon Musk’s Tesla vehicles could represent a solution for that problem since the Model 3, for example, has a range of at least 220 miles, which is significantly longer when compared to the Nissan Leaf‘s estimated meager range of 84 miles. The future Long Range Model Y is planned to have an even longer range at 300 miles on a full charge, which matches the average range of a traditional gas-powered vehicle.
Police Department Investigating Tesla Fleet Purchase: Acceleration is Key
As an Allegheny County Sheriff experiments with using Tesla for their police department in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Tesla proves that it could compete in both power and performance against traditionally gas-powered vehicles.
The Allegheny police have reported to particularly enjoy the many technologically advanced features that Tesla has to offer, like its computer monitor, smooth handling, quiet engine, quick acceleration and automatic safety features.
Indeed, many of these Tesla features are particularly handy when it comes to the specific job requirements for police cars to perform at a standard well above the average vehicle. Their only caveat is its average range. Although its range has yet to rival gas-powered vehicles, Tesla has gotten close to the average range of traditional cars that range from 300 to 400 miles on a full tank of gas. This puts Tesla’s foot in the door of the car competition, and who knows how much Tesla’s range will increase in the future as their technology continues to advance and improve.
However, a long range isn’t the only requirement for a police car. It also needs to be incredibly fast, and this is where Tesla dominates. An average gas-powered vehicle could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds, while Tesla’s electric vehicles (EVs) could reach that in as little as 5 to 3 seconds. At this rate, Tesla EVs are definitely capable of chasing and catching runaway vehicles before needing to recharge.
Additionally, Tesla EVs are a lot safer than traditional vehicles. Many of the Allegheny police deputies have noted how the Tesla would immediately start to break on its own after they put their foot off the gas pedal and before they even hit the breaks. Additionally, Tesla EVs are a lot more cost effective by saving money without the use of gasoline in the long run. The Allegheny sheriff deputy also calculated that Tesla EVs would save them about $17,000 over a period of five years compared to their gas-powered vehicles.
Reflection in Tesla showroom window in Cologne, Germany – Photo / Lynxotic
Tesla Scores #1 among EVs for a Low-Carbon Future
According to Moody’s Carbon Transition Assessments (CTAs), which measures an automotive company’s ability to transition into a more sustainable “low carbon future,” Tesla was the only car manufacturer to receive the highest possible score.
The multi-point scale, with the highest rating being CT-1 and the lowest being CT-9, determines how ready the company is to transition to producing cleaner vehicles with zero emissions. Although BMW, Honda, Toyota, Geely, and Beijing Automotive group also received high CTA scores among the 20 surveyed, they are significantly lower than Tesla’s top spot at CT-1.
Notably, electric car sales have increased three-fold, while diesel vehicle sales have lost appeal and plummeted at rapid rates. With this in mind, the future of electric vehicles looks brighter as their demand and production continues to grow significantly, and every other automotive company needs to catch up.
Moody’s predicts that we will need more intensive carbon emissions testing on global car manufacturers in the near future. This comes at an important time when countries have set out crucial deadlines for petroleum phase-out goals during the expedited transition to clean, sustainable energy in light of the present climate crisis.
Moody’s 20-car-manufacturer assessment also puts an end to the circular argument that many critics of the electric vehicle movement have through the faulty narrative that EV production does more harm to the environment than good.
As Tesla’s production and technology becomes more advanced and sustainable, they are knocking over the barriers that previously held electric vehicles back from popular use. Tesla is well on their way to rivaling the range, speed, power, and performance of gas-powered vehicles. The future of clean transportation no longer has to settle for a lower quality of life and has the potential to create something even better than what we have now.
