Tesla Model Y Spotted Testing In India, Ahead Of Homologation & Launch
Tesla is in the process of homologating its EVs in India and has been spotted testing their cars. Recently, the Model Y was spotted by one of our readers, Chinmay Balutkar, in Pune. Various design cues reveal that it is a Model Y but largely, the test mule is camouflaged.
Styling
There are lighting elements that reveal that it is a Model Y. The deliveries of the Model Y have begun in markets like China and Australia. The updated Model Y has design cues such as split-level headlights, an LED light bar and a sharp bumper.
The rear gets a connected LED tailbar for the tail lights. The revised license plate position and refreshed tailgate design are also evident. The new Model Y is more aerodynamic than before, with a drag coefficient of 0.22 when compared to the previous Model Y’s 0.23.
The facelifted Model Y is slightly wider and measures 4797mm in length. Internationally, it is available in Glacier White, Stealth Grey and Ultra Red.
Interior
On the inside, Tesla has given the Model Y a new look for the interior. The updates include increased soft-touch materials, increased insulation and ventilation for front seats. There are LED strips on the dashboard that house the 15.4-inch central screen. The rear seats also get an 8-inch touchscreen, which can be used for changing the climate control.
Performance Details
The Tesla Model Y is available in two variants: RWD and Long Range AWD trims. The RWD gets a range of 719 Km while the AWD gets 662 Km as per the CLTC (China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle). It does 0-100 Km/hr in just 4.3 seconds for the AWD and 5.9 seconds for RWD trim, respectively.
Tesla’s Strategy For Selling Cars
Tesla has secured a showroom in Mumbai on a 5-year lease basis. Currently, the company is scouting locations in New Delhi as well. The company’s Indian subsidiary is also hiring for customer support, sales and product development.
The EV manufacturer is planning to launch its first models as CBU due to the relaxed import duties for electric cars by the government. However, Tesla is also looking to explore contract manufacturing options as opposed to immediate greenfield manufacturing. Tesla has also assured to remain direct-to-consumer with fully owned retail operations for the supercharger network as well.
The entry into the Indian market is a crucial step for Tesla as they are currently struggling in other markets. However, the Indian market is also a place which has established models under a price that will cater to a wider group. There will also be stiff competition from companies like BYD, which have already established a strong ground in the Indian EV market as compared to other luxury offerings.
