Tesla launches the new Model Y in Europe with a record breaking start

Tesla has unveiled a new version of its flagship electric car, the Model Y High-Autonomy RWD. On the plan: a theoretical range of 600 km and a cheaper price than the Key Transmission version which offers a lower range.

Unofficial reports have multiplied X (formerly Twitter) its final weeks around the release of the new Tesla Model Y in Europe. The American manufacturer has just ended the wait, by unveiling the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD. A strategy that had already been implemented with the Tesla Model 3 Long Autonomy Propulsion.

600 kilometers of freedom on a single charge

In the program: an NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) battery with a capacity of 79 kWh, but only one motor on the rear axle. This is what makes it possible to announce 600 kilometers of autonomy on the WLTP cycle with small 19-inch rims. By the way, as an option, with 20 inches, the autonomy drops to 565 km.

Never before has the Tesla Model Y had so much freedom. And for good reason, it uses the larger battery from the Long Range AWD version, but it no longer has the right front engine. This reduces consumption, declared at 14.9 kWh / 100 km, the most efficient Model Y according to the manufacturer. In comparison, the Tesla Model Y Propulsion is limited to a 60 kWh battery for a distance of 455 km on the WLTP cycle and a consumption of 15.7 kWh / 100 km.

The Tesla Model Y Grande Autonomie Propulsion also does better than the 60 kWh version in terms of performance, because its engine is more powerful (priori between 220 and 255 kW, or between 300 and 346 hp). It is enough to go from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.9 seconds. The maximum speed is still 217 km / h, as in other versions of the Model Y.

Not yet available in France

Surprisingly, this new version of the world’s best-selling car in 2023 is not yet available in France. But in the German and Spanish configuration, you can already order, for 48,990 euros, with a delay of 2 to 4 weeks. It is more expensive than the Propulsion version (sold for 44,990 euros) but more expensive than the Long Autonomy Integral Transmission version (euro 51,990).

Tesla confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that it will be available in France “in the coming weeks”. But its price will prevent it from being entitled to the ecological bonus, whose ceiling is 47,000 euros. Unless Tesla decides to use a lower price in France, which is also possible.

There is no sign, however, of the possibility of a further adjustment. Note that the Tesla Model Y sold in China for several months now benefits from some improvements of Tesla’s new and improved Model 3, such as the dashboard and the LED strip in the passenger compartment.

We also remember the black covers, not gray, and the brand new hardware system (HW 4.0) to control Autopilot, a semi-autonomous operating system. But all these new features are still awaited in Europe.