Reviewing the Tesla Model Y

Reviewing the Tesla Model Y - the ultimate electric SUV?

It would come as no surprise to say that the Tesla product has been a crucial part of fleet; not just for business and salary sacrifice customers but for personal lease customers too. While EVs are anything other than new innovations in 2022, only 5 years ago the prospect of a robust all-electric fleet was probably considered unlikely and unsustainable.

And while the pre-existing Model S and X were in mainstream production, the ability to buy, lease or rent an £80,000+ vehicle alienated the vast majority of the UK. But in 2019 / 2020 things changed completely when the Model 3 saloon, the best-selling EV to date, was brought into the UK. And while this satisfied many customers, what we have learned in the last 10 years is that our country is very SUV, 4x4 and crossover focused.

Not only is a higher driving position preferred, these vehicles are more practical and aesthetically pleasing compared to traditional MPV and estate options. For families with limited budgets, but specific requirements, this segment satisfies this with an array of options in the budget and luxury markets (and in combustion, plug-in and pure electric formats).

So it did not surprise the e-car lease team when Tesla announced a new product to their line-up in the form of the Model Y, an SUV alternative to the innately popular Model 3 (and a much cheaper version of the bigger Model X).The Y has somewhat mirrored the styling and approach that the Model 3 has utilised with the exception of a higher driving position and some subtler technological and battery alterations. Indeed, the cargo volume of 854L makes this some 300L bigger than the Model 3, which is already considered to be a spacious vehicle.

For families with a host of apparel - kids, pets, golf clubs and the rest - this could be that practical EV for you or the company. However, contrary to the early belief this would be a 7-seat SUV, this was actually launched as 5-seat car and this is still the case as at today! The only mainstream 7 seat electric car is the Mercedes EQB.

And the automotive press have been positive, with What car? at 4/5, Auto Express at 4.5/5, Autocar at 4/5 and CarWow at 8/10. Some of the main feedback suggests this offers better handling and comfort compared to the 3 with the addition of the interior space.

But what is also consistent is the critique for the styling of Tesla - it’s very American! The UK now has a penchant for European design, in particular any German product - refined but exciting. It is unequivocal that the Tesla organisation have some of the best battery technology and charging infrastructure available, making them the bar for what is a good and what is a bad electric car option.

But they don’t excel at everything, with some of their styling, build quality and order process falling behind the mainstream competition. And even Tesla have struggled with the ongoing parts and microchip shortages. As at September 2022, the Model Y Long Range will arrive around January 2023 and the Performance around February 2023. These are not BAD delivery times but they are not reminiscent of the “boat upon boat” of product which arrived throughout 2020 and 2021.

And to edge the Model Y a little out of the top-sellers list is the fact that the product has seen a number of price increases - a standard LR is now £57,990 and the Performance is now £67,990.

Can you get a cheap deal on a stock Tesla Model Y?

It would be fair to say that the price of leasing a Tesla has crept up steadily with the ongoing price increases and the dilution of RVs based on a healthy supply of Teslas amongst many of the major finance companies - Lex, Novuna, Alphabet, LeasePlan and Santander - have all enjoyed a hearty serving of the American automotive manufacturer.

But the All-Wheel drive format of the Model Y is no longer the only configuration for UK customers to choose. Does the Model Y Tesla come as a RWD? As at the end of August 2022, customers can now order a rear-wheel drive vehicle from Tesla (see https://www.tesla.com/en_gb/modely/design#overview ) and at £51,990 this is now a much cheaper option to lease. But when are the RWD Model Y arriving? As per the website, customers can expect delivery for around February2023, so this could be one of the best selling cars next year.

How does the RWD Tesla Y stack up compared to the other options?

This platform will be based on a usable battery of 57.5 kWh which delivers performance of 6.9 second 0 - 62 times, top speeds of 135 mph and 255 kW (or 342hp) output. In terms of range on the RWD expect around 180 miles on a full charge in colder climates with warmer weather allowing for 245 miles. On charging times, the 11 kW AC allows for 0 - 100% in just over 6 hours with the 170 kW DC enabling 25 minutes. With a vehicle fuel equivalent of 148 mpg and a braked towing capacity of 1600 kg this continues the practicality theme of this brand.

If you, or your company / salary sacrifice scheme, orders the RWD option from Tesla directly, just send your RN details to our expert team for a personal or business contract hire quotation. And if you are looking for comparison lease options don’t forget the BMW iX1, Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Audi Q4 and Volvo XC40.

Tesla Model Y Hatchback Long Range AWD 5Dr Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle)

In terms of the car shown, the Tesla Model Y Hatchback Long Range AWD 5Dr Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle), this is based on the following configuration:

Pearl White Multi-Coat paint
Premium engineered material - Black seat
19’’ Gemini alloy wheels
5 Seat Interior
Type 2 Cable (Suitable for Public charging and home wallbox charger – Fast charging)
Mode 2 or 10amp 240v charging cable (Suitable for charging from a domestic 3 pin plug - Slow charging)