Tesla’s Model Y Unveil: How To Watch Tonight And What To Expect

First, let’s talk about the name: Model Y. The names of Tesla’s EV family were deliberate, and the Model 3 was initially supposed to be called the Model E. However, the threat of a lawsuit from Ford forced Tesla to change the name from Model E to Model 3. If it wasn’t for that legal threat, Tesla’s lineup would have included the Model S, Model E, Model X and Model Y – i.e., SEXY.

With that big of trivia out of the way, the Model Y is expected to be largely based on the Model 3. According to statements made by Tesla, the crossover EV will share roughly 75 percent parts commonality with the Model 3. This should make production more efficient for Tesla and help keep costs down. 

Speaking of costs, Tesla says that the Model Y will be roughly 10 percent more expensive than a comparable Model 3. That means if the Model Y is offered in a Standard Range, rear-wheel drive configuration like the Model 3, we should expect a starting price of around $38,500. The Mid-Range trim should check in at around $44,000, while the Long Range trim should start at $47,300. Moving on to the all-wheel drive configurations, expect to pay roughly $51,000 for the Long Range trim and $63,800 for the Performance trim.

Tesla says that the Model Y will be about 10 percent larger than the Model 3 as well, and we’ll guestimate around a 10 percent hit to efficiency. If that’s the case, expect to get 200-miles for Standard Range trim and around 240 miles for the Mid-Range. The Model 3 Long Range could get around 280 miles per charge.

When it comes to styling, we expect the Model Y to be analogous to the Model S to Model X transition. So, we’ll likely see Model 3 styling cues up front with an overall shape reminiscent of the Model X complete with an increased ride height. Inside, the dashboard layout could carry over largely intact from the Model 3 – especially if Tesla is looking to maximize parts commonality while reducing development costs.

All will be revealed tonight at an event held at the Tesla Design Center in Hawthorne, California. The presentation will start at 8PM PST (11PM EST) and you’ll be able to view it from the Tesla homepage or from the Event & Presentation page.