Model Y ” Surprising” Demand !!!

Red Model Y
MODEL Y

Model Y “Surprising”Demand !!! Last week was a moment that I have been waiting for since the introduction of the Model Y in the USA over two years ago. The release of the Model Y to the Australian market. 

The release of the Model Y inspired many thousands of Australians to place an order for the highly anticipated vehicle. I have written about it many times in the last number of years that the Model Y will be a game-changer for the electric vehicle landscape in Australia.

Australia’s appetite

The Model Y is the electric vehicle that will appeal the most to Australians. 

An SUV that can travel more than 400kms and carry a family of 5 with room to spare.

The appeal of this vehicle has been only enhanced by the fact that in the recent past Australians have come to realize that electric vehicles are the way forward.

They have understood that getting on board now can assist in avoiding rising fuel and maintenance costs.

The Australian population is more motivated than ever. 

Demand

So, it comes as a surprise to no one but Elon himself that the demand was a surprise in right-hand drive (RHD) countries.

https://www.thestreet.com/technology/tesla-and-elon-musk-surprised-by-great-news-australia

This demand has been coming for a while now as Model 3 orders had blown out to deliveries of March-May of 2023. So, to see the Model Y hit a similar milestone just a few hours after ordering started would suggest that Tesla had not thought that interest and orders would have been as high as the Model 3. I guess they were wrong.

Globally the Model Y has outstripped the orders of the Model 3 in every market where it has become available.

Even Elon has said on occasion that the Model Y will sell more than the model 3 so to hear him state that he was surprised by the demand is a little odd.

However, on the upside, Elon did mention that they were working on ways to meet the demand.

EV Manufacturers

Model Y “Surprising”Demand !!! But Tesla is not alone as many other manufacturers are also having similar issues. 

Recently VW cancelled all its orders for the XC40 (Insert article) in Australia due to not being able to meet demand. Many manufacturers when releasing their vehicles to the market are finding that the vehicles sell almost instantly due to demand. 

“Surprising”, is not the word I would have given to the demand in RHD countries. 

“Expected” would have been a better comment. 

But we are where we are, and we hope that Tesla and other manufacturers can increase demand in the coming months and years. 

Enhanced Autopilot

But that wasn’t where the fun stopped. Just yesterday Tesla released almost globally the Enhanced Autopilot suite back to the public. 

This middle-of-the-road driver assistance features is a nice compromise for most people and much more attainable than the 10 – 12 thousand price range (depending on the country) of the Full Self Driving Stack.

The autopilot system that is released with Tesla’s, as standard, is extremely well received and functional on most freeways with the driver being at the wheel and monitoring its progress and intervening when required. The enhanced autopilot takes all the great features and adds to them. The subtle differences come in the form of 

  • Auto lane changes
  • Summon
  • Smart Summon
  • Auto Park 
Lane change
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

These features are some of the most requested features that the Full self-driving stack has had for several years. 

On several occasions, Ryan McCaffery from the Ride the lightning podcast discussed the viability of reintroducing the EAP. It seems that Tesla has also heard the comments and has now responded to those who have asked and re-introduced the functionality. 

These features are in most cases half the cost of the Full Self-Driving stack and will be well received.

Future of Transportation

I am sure the uptake will be high for most tesla drivers across the globe who have wanted the FSD stack but could not justify the cost and now can purchase it and will only assist in keeping the roads safer. 

Tesla has led the charge to move the historical views on what a vehicle is into a realm whereby Tesla is considered not just a car company but a technology company. 

The future of what transportation is and how it will change our lives is just getting started and I for one am very excited by the changes that are occurring. 

Model Y “Surprising”Demand !!! Demand is something that we all will have to manage moving forward.  As our appetite for the change to electric vehicles grows. From this point forward we will see nothing but demand as the countries of the world move to a greener and healthier future for all. 

Dave 

P.S. Unfortunately, there has been a global price rise for Model Y late Friday. This is a small negative in a great ocean of positives. It does however make it harder for the average person to purchase. Hopefully, over time this will change. 

Tesla Model Y Now Available in Australia!!!!!

Model y
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

Tesla Model Y Now available in Australia!!!!!!!!! Well, it has been a long time coming and it has not disappointed with its meteoric arrival on the 10th of June at 10:30 am with ordering opening to all buyers. 

This arrival has been foretold many times.

A Tesla Owners Club Australia member spotted a number of Model Y on the back of a truck heading to Melbourne as explained by @Techau.

Within several hours of this post, it was confirmed that other vehicles had been spotted on the showroom floors of the Sydney store and the Gold Coast stores. 

I called the Brisbane store and asked about the possibility of the vehicle arriving and ordering opening. To say the response was a little cagey was an understatement. No wonder why as within less than 24 hours the store had 2 Model Y’s on the showroom floor and ordering had commenced. 

Let’s break it down. 

Prices Model Y
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

The two models that have been released are the “Model Y” also known as the “standard range” and Performance Model Y.

The pricing of each vehicle before release was expected to be more than 10% higher than Model 3. However, the prices were much better than expected.

The cost of the Model Y ( Standard Range) was within a couple of thousand dollars of the Model 3 which makes it a compelling buy for those with a Model 3 existing order.

The standard range model has a starting price of $68900. A performance model has a starting price of $93900. These prices are before drive away costs applied. Now, of course, the drive-away price will differ slightly across different states due to incentives.

Standard range 

Tesla Model Y now available in Australia!!!!!!!!! The standard range will be one of the most popular models purchased. It will also be a challenge for people to not consider it in comparison to the Model 3 with a range variation of only 40kms. This may cause a few people to rethink the difference between both Model Y and Model 3. The extra features you get with a Model y will only add to the challenge when making a decision.

The colours, and interior features, barring a small few, are identical to the Model 3.

colours
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
wheels
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

The inclusion of adjustable back seats, the releases from the trunk and the higher ride height and increased storage capacity will be very enticing for those considering buying. 

storage
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

The Model Y is the car for Australia as it really is a wonderful family vehicle with great features and driving capability. 

Performance Model Y 

Performance Model Y
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

The Performance Model Y as always has higher acceleration and features a second motor that assists with range and torque. These features are nothing short of special when considering the Model Y is a family vehicle.

performance wheels
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

The same great features that have been discussed with the “standard range” also exist in the Performance Model Y.

No word yet for any track mode at this time. But if the Model 3 has it then hopefully Model Y won’t be too far behind. But again nothing confirmed.

One feature, that when compared to the Model 3, is truly impressive. The size of the cargo space is significantly greater than the Model 3.

cargo Model y
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

A very special feature, as confirmed by the Tesla store staff, is the inclusion of the HEPA filter in the air conditioning.

The large-size filter that helps to reduce cabin particulates is a master stroke for the Model Y and will be a well-loved feature.

The ability to remove from the air almost all fumes, pollen and smoke from outside influences will only enhance the driving comfort and allow for a much more pleasant drive. Another great selling feature that is not well advertised.

Long Range

The one model that was not released was the Long-Range Model Y.

The Long Range Model Y is positioned between the Model Y( Standard Range) and the Performance Model Y. It is believed to be released sometime in the near future. The Long Range features dual motors and a greater range than the other models. This is the same as the Model 3 and has been seen to be a great seller. When released in Australia there is little doubt it will be a very sort after model.

To say I have been excited by the arrival of the Model Y would be a massive understatement as shown in my recent blog ” Model Y Coming to Australia !!!!“.

It will sell well

Tesla Model Y Now available in Australia!!!!!!!!! I have been saying for a few years since that the Model Y will be a bigger seller, and a better prospect, for the Australian landscape than the Model 3.

With its ability to carry more, tow more and be more than any other electric SUV in Australia.

It has the potential to outsell all other models and change the landscape of what is considered the right car for Australia’s roads.

The biggest challenge is the original price tag. It is hoped that in time electric vehicles will reduce in price and continue to be closer to what a Petrol vehicle is a today if not cheaper.

I know it is a big statement, but I believe the Model Y is going to be huge for Australia.

This blog has been a long time in the making with many tweets, comments and conversations about and for the vehicle’s arrival. It is truly impressive to see up close and will appeal to many.

Thanks again and I appreciate your time. 

Dave