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Test Driving Model Y Australia

10/07/202210/07/2022EV-HQLeave a comment

Test Driving Model Y Australia, Last Monday I had the privileged of being able to take the Model Y for a test drive.

I have been anticipating this vehicle arriving in Australia since its first release in the USA over 2 years ago.

Those that follow me on social media ( links below) will know I have asked Elon many times when it was going to arrive. So, when it finally did, I hoped to be at the front of the line to test drive this beauty.

Fortitude Valley Tesla store has been amazing with their customer service and wonderful people. So, it was no surprise to find their smiles and enthusiasm as we arrived to take the Model Y for a drive.

Model Y

The vehicle was a White exterior and Black interior Rear wheel drive.

At first glance, you would be forgiven for thinking it is just a bigger Model 3. This is a good way to introduce people to the idea of the vehicle. Tesla would tell you it is an SUV with wonderful features for the Australian public.

My view is that the Vehicle will resonate with the Australian psyche of car buyers due to several features not found on the Model 3.

Height

The first thing I did notice about the Model Y having owned and driven a Model 3 for a while is the entry into the Vehicle is a more enjoyable process. I am just shy of 6 feet and getting into the Model 3 I feel like I am hoping into a high-end sports car.

With the Model Y, it is as if I am sitting down in a chair at a kitchen table that is plush and comfortable. The drop is not as far.

As has been mentioned many times, the Model Y and Model 3 share about 70% of the parts. So, the interior cabin is very familiar to Model 3 Owners.

Sitting in the driver’s seat there is the instant feeling of sitting higher in the vehicle. The elevation is not dramatic but is very noticeable both stationery and driving.

Cabin

Looking around the cabin the large expanse of glass as a single pane making up the roof is just spectacular. The extra height of the vehicle with the elevated seating position makes the cabin feel very spacious not to mention the leg height and room more expansive.

One notable difference from the Model Y to the Model 3 is the lining of the door pockets. They are lined with a plush material that seems to assist with reducing noise. They are also deeper than Model 3.

Trunk (Boot)

The back of the vehicle is where the most difference is placed. The introduction of the hatchback increases the ability to access the vast storage area that can be created. The introduction of back seat releases in the trunk(boot) area and the 40/20/40 back seat split give fantastic versatility to the storage capacity of the vehicle.

This alone is a win for families and owners of pets.

One other feature of the vehicles that have had a subtle change is the size of the under-boot storage and the frunk. The underfoot storage is vast and holds large items.

Furthermore, there is an additional storage compartment at the back of the back seats that is good for the storage of excess cables and tools.

The introduction of two side pockets in the (trunk(boot) also increases the storage capabilities of the vehicle.

The frunk has a deeper profile and a new additional seal that is attached to the underside of the bonnet.

Model Y driving.

As we left the Fortitude valley store to take the Model Y for a test drive you instantly feel the height and size of the vehicle. It feels solid and safe.

It provides a wonderful ride height that allows for a greater view of the surroundings.

The familiar driving experience as compared to the model 3 is instant. It makes you feel at ease so you can focus on the driving experience rather than trying to figure out locations of speed and gears and the like.

If I was a new user of the vehicle and this was my first time driving, I would recommend the Tesla staff to walk you through the central console thoroughly. This will give you a greater understanding before you start to drive.

As a Model 3 owner, the experience of the central console was easy to navigate.

Driving Experience

The vehicle responded just as you would expect with grace and poise.

The rear-wheel-drive pushing a heavier vehicle takes a few seconds longer to get to 0-60 km/hr. speed. This is a more reasonable take-off for families as it reflects current vehicle take-off speeds. However, it still has the speed when you need it.

The responsiveness of the vehicle is to Tesla’s standard and does not disappoint.

Side Mirrors

The side mirrors are slightly larger and really give a great visual range of other vehicles around you as you drive and when reversing.

Rear Window

If I had to pick one feature that initially seemed a problem, but over time would be able to adjust to is the visibility out the back window when looking through the rear-view mirror. The narrow perspective that is seen through this view at first does not provide as much visual range as the Model 3 or any other vehicle that I have driven both in the past and present.

However, with the larger side mirrors and the safety features of the vehicle, I believe this is something that can be managed.

Suspension

A lot of people online have been highlighting the Suspension as being an issue, but my view is it is no different to the Model 3. The ride and comfort of the vehicle both on-road and over bumps like speed bumps were expected with any spring suspension.

Both my wife and I enjoyed the drive for similar and different reasons but ultimately, we believe that this will be a car for Australia.

Back seats

For anyone who has sat in the back of the Model 3 for extended periods of time, it can be quite uncomfortable due to the lack of ability to adjust the seating angle. In Model Y, this is resolved with the ability to recline. I for one love this feature.

Range

Before we purchased our Model 3, we had a long discussion about the range and the need to get more range than less. However, after owning a Tesla Model 3, I can say that if the vehicle is your everyday driver and you use it to get around town, the range of New Model Y’s standard range of 455km (WLTP) is more than enough to suffice any driving needs.

Battery configuration Queries

When talking to the Tesla staff about the long-range and when it might arrive, they made the comment that the battery configuration for the Long-Range and Performance model batteries contained Cobalt technology and not the LFP battery technology.

This may seem not important but what it means is that vehicle is recommended to only be charged 80-90 per cent most of the time and only 100% just before driving long distances.

It is designed to preserve battery and reduce any risks associated with battery life reduction. The challenge is a range, if charging to 80-90% of the battery capacity you are ultimately at a similar range to the standard range model which can charge to 100% all the time. Something to consider when purchasing especially if it is not used for long-distance driving very often.

Features of the central console.

Bio defence mode.

When the opportunity came to look at the centre console and its features a couple of differences immediately stood out. The most notable was the introduction in Model Y of Bio Defiance mode. This offering was until recently only available in the more premium vehicles like the Model X. Its introduction to the Model Y once again gives credence to my belief that it is the car for Australian conditions.

The Bio defence mode reduces the particulates in the air of the vehicle. So high pollen counts at certain times of the year when we have bushfires and removal of exhaust fumes from the air as well. It is a piece of mind feature that when used can be very effective.

FSD computer

One feature which I do not own is the FSD upgrade. My model 3 has the computer but I have not made the purchase due to cost.

This feature in the Model Y we test drove was able to show the EAP features that are available. Self-parking was the main feature that was shown to us. Unfortunately, we were not able to test auto lane change and smart summon but it was interesting to try the self-parking and have it work seamlessly.

The Model Y contained the Ryzen chipset which made the central console responsive and fresh.

The premium sound system again was another feature that was new for us to experience. The introduction of the SUB woofer and the extra speakers really made the listening experience wonderful.

Dash height

One feature in the Model 3 that has been a point of frustration for me is the airflow out of the vent in front of the driver. The airflow no matter which location I place the direction continually flows onto my knees in the Model 3. With the dash being higher in the Model Y this is no longer an issue.

Low Voltage Battery type

One feature which has been talked about for a while but is good to see it coming to Australia is the introduction of a Lithium-ion Low voltage battery. This will allow longer times between replacements of the older chemical batteries.

As we returned the vehicle to the dealership, we both felt that this vehicle will not only be a big selling vehicle in Australia but a flagship for the tesla fleet. It ticks all the boxes

Family-friendly
Great storage
Premium sound system
Safety
Storage galore
High ride height
Solid feeling on the road
Great technology

Summary

The test drive just solidified our view that the Model Y will be a vehicle we will upgrade to soon.

The Model 3 has its place and is an amazing vehicle. But for Australian families who can afford the Model Y, it will meet your needs even more so than the Model 3.

It provides a wonderful upgrade to the features of the Model 3 and for any new Tesla owners, it is an experience far beyond the current petrol vehicle.

Is it any wonder why demand is extremely high? Just as I said in my last blog it is the car for the masses.

I am super impressed with the quality of the build and the features that come with the vehicles. My insistence to Elon to get it here sooner did not happen but I and so excited to see these on the roads in Australia.

Dave

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Thank you…#EVFRIENDS

23/12/2019EV-HQ1 Comment

Just under a year ago i decided to create a website

Just under a year ago I decided to create a website. This website was to allow me to express my thoughts and ideas regarding Electric Vehicles (EV’s).

I am passionate about EV’s and I especially love Tesla’s. I started the website as my family were supportive but sick of hearing me talk about Tesla’s. I had been boring, annoying and frustrating them with my constant discussion’s and insights. But as every “EV FAN” will know, when they put their ideas and thoughts out there to the world, I was not alone and many families had said the same. So we had turned to an outlet that could be shared.

Test Drive

14/09/201920/09/2019EV-HQ1 Comment

Check out my Video here “Test Drive”

Today was a day that I had long waited for. For 3 years I have watched with hope that one day I might be able to drive a car I had become enamored with for the curves, colours and style.

The car I am talking about is none other than the Tesla model 3. Today was my Test drive. To say I was excited is an understatement. I have bored my family with my incessant talk about tesla for many years now. I created the EV-HQ.com website to feed my passion for EV’s and today I got to drive the most incredible Electric vehicle of all.

All day I had been talking about the day being special. My wife who loves Tesla’s as well, just not as passionate as me and my son who has only recently jumped on board my Tesla train, gave clear instructions that I was not to mention tesla to much in the lead up to the test drive. This seemed fair as I know I talk about tesla far too much every other day, so I kept my comments and points of discussion till last thing in the day.

About an hour before we were meant to go for the test drive, we arrived at the Brisbane Tesla store and had coffee within visual range of the store. Outside parked in the golden sunshine was the most glorious site, a white performance Model 3. The carbon fiber spoiler and the red calipers with the performance wheels really made it a site to behold.

But as with most of my stories I had to wait. I held out until 30 minutes before I had my test drive and decided to look at the cars in the show room. Before walking into the show room, I took a good look at the performance model 3. It was white on white and looked gorgeous. Simple yet elegant in it design. My anticipation started to build.

As I walked in the door of the show room, I took in another site that was just as if not more so breath taking. Of course, it was a model 3 but this time is was in the red. Now I am no paint expert but man the red is stunning. It had not finger prints and was polished to shine. It had a white interior and looked divine. My son and I hopped into the back and front seats and really looked around at the workmanship and interior styling and design.

The one thing that the model 3 has in spades is “less is more”. To say that there is not much of the interior is totally true as there are no buttons that are not functionally necessary like the door release button, there are no knobs, no dials or any other piece of plastic that isn’t designed to be there. This is the new and very appealing evolution/revolution that electric cars and especially tesla are bringing to the table.

As we waited for our turn to go for the test drive my wife, son and I all scrutinized the 3 cars in the showroom. The model 3 of course, the model X a beautiful grey with white interior and a blue Model S that as always is incredible to look at and sit in.

I spent most of my time in the red Model 3 performance reviewing the seating position and going through the User interface display to truly get a feel for what was in the systems that had been specifically designed for this car.

At exactly 3:30 it was my turn. We handed over our license and signed the insurance form and were introduced to our guide. His kind, friendly and positive attitude a was instantly apparent and he put us at ease. He asked if we had seen the Model 3 before I mentioned that I had seen the left-hand drive Model 3 in store when they were on display. I started talking about the features and he realized very quickly that I knew a thing or two about the model 3 and Tesla. He said I could possible tell him a thing about Tesla’s. We will see I thought.

As we walked around the front of the cars, I realized we were heading for the white Model 3, I had hoped it would be the performance but alas it was not to be. A little disappointed but not at all worried that the model 3 we were allocated to drive would not let us down. After sitting in the driver’s seat Alex, our tesla guide, explained a few elements about the car and then set up our driver profile. I realized that it is one thing to look through the menu of the car it is a whole other thing to use the menu and the functions of the car to drive the car.

Having never driven the model 3 before I had to acclimate myself to the indicator being on the left side of the steering wheel and the gear lever on the right. Glad when driving and thinking the right lever is indicator that the car does not shift into reverse. It just beeps at you and keeps driving.

Once we were set, we drove out the entrance to loop around the block and head away from the store to an area 10 minutes away where we can truly see the potential of this awe-inspiring car. The silence of movement as the car pulled away from the store was wonderful to experience. The calmness that provides makes me smile to my core. As we glided down the smooth concrete drive, I held my excitement in check. This was the car that I had waited a very long time to drive and now here I was driving the model 3 and pinching myself with excitement. In the back of the car was my wife and son and they too had a wide smile on their face while they looked up out of the glass roof to the blue sky above. Nothing beats experiencing new experiences with family and friends.

As we made our way around the block Alex and I spoke about the regen braking as it felt like it was quite heavy. It seemed unusual to drive with one pedal, but I am sure it would be something I could easily get used to. Alex lessened the strength of the regen and we continued on our drive. The feel of the car on a rough under construction 40 km/hr. road was soft and supple in its rock and roll. The springs are not too hard or to soft and they provide the smooth timeless motion. The fact that the battery is under your feet is also a wonderful feeling with a low center of gravity.

We finally made it to a location with less cars and long straights and the ability to truly understand the power of the motors that have been placed in this white knight. Alex instructed me to come to a stop and hold the brake pedal down until hold engaged. He then asked everyone to put their heads on the back of their chairs as a precaution.

Now, I have driven a model s and understand the power these cars can produce. So, I was not surprised that my son was not quite ready for the power this car could produce. As I punched the acceleration pedal the car shot forward and the bodies in the car pushed into their seats. It was at this stage that the all too familiar smiles appeared on all our faces, even Alex who I am sure has done this many, many times.

But our smiles did not stop there, as we approached the corner Alex instructed us to turn the car around and do another acceleration test. So, I turned the car around and waited for the traffic to pass. Once driving Alex asked me to get up to 50 km/hr. Once I got to this speed, he said to punch it. I put my foot to the floor again and the car shot away faster than I expected. This surprise speed surprised me the most and gave me that roller coaster feels. This care is truly special. My wife and son had not expected it and they loved it with squeals and laughs and smiles all round. Alex enjoyed the pace as well.

As we slowed Alex shoed us a car park where my wife had a chance to drive. I changed seats with her and sat in the back of the car which was also an experience. My wife went through the same set up and instruction I received at the beginning and she was away. She found the silence unsettling but enjoyed the car as it moved away. She too had opportunity to feel the punch of the car and I really enjoyed the feeling from the back seats. I looked up to the blue sky through the large back window and enjoyed the fun with my son. Michelle drove back to the Tesla store and asked many questions and really enjoyed the drive. We parked at the super charger on our return and Alex as a last homage to the coolness of tesla showed us the dog mode. My son plugged in the tesla to charge. It was at this point that our test drive ended with thanks and handshakes to Alex for showing us the best car on the planet.

There is no doubt that one day I will own a tesla. And it is no doubt that this test drive just reinforced the idea that the future is electric, and it is here now.

Thanks to Tesla and to Alex for a great experience.

Thanks to my Wife and son for indulging me my passion and for being part of the experience.

Dave

EV HQ

World of Electric Vehicles

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