Tesla Model Y: 5 things to know

After a long wait, the world’s top EV brand Tesla is finally launching in Malaysia tomorrow i.e. July 20, 2023. The first Tesla EV set to hit the local market is none other than the Model Y. Ahead of the imminent launch, the automaker has started the bookings for the EV along with revealing its price and specifications. 

Tesla Malaysia offers the 5-seater Model Y in three variants viz RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance AWD. Pricing begins at RM 199,000 and goes all the way up to RM 288,000. Included in the price is a 4-year/80,000 km manufacturing and an 8-year/160,000 km battery & drive unit warranty. One can book the Model Y by paying a non-refundable fee of RM 1,000.

Let’s get to know five important things about this upcoming highly-anticipated electric SUV. 

World’s best-selling passenger car

The Tesla Model Y became the world’s best-selling passenger car in the first quarter of 2023, according to the JATO data research firm. It was for the first time a fully electric vehicle topped the global car sales rankings. Tesla sold a total of 267,200 units of EV during the first three months of the year, representing a growth of 69% over the same period last year. The markets where the electric SUV performed well included the US, China, and Europe. 

AutoPilot and Full Self-Driving capabilities

All Tesla cars feature the brand’s popular Level 2 autonomous driving tech called Autopilot and the Model Y is not an exception to that. The Autopilot allows the electric SUV to steer, accelerate and brake automatically within its lane upon detecting other vehicles and pedestrians. It also houses other active systems like emergency braking, collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. 

Tesla Malaysia also offers the Enhanced Autopilot at an additional cost of RM 16,000 which upgrades the standard pack by adding Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon, and Smart Summon.

However, customers can also opt for the Full Self-Driving or FSD package available at an additional price of RM 32,000. Currently, in the beta phase, the FSD adds Traffic and Stop Sign Control empowering EVs to identify and respond to stop signs and traffic lights. In the near future, Tesla will upgrade the pack by adding Autosteer on city streets, which will allow the EV to navigate through urban environments with enhanced safety and reliability. Make note, FSD requires active driver supervision and doesn't make the EV fully autonomous. 

All-vegan interior

As the Model Y is a form of sustainable transportation, there is no room for animal skins inside it. That’s right! The Tesla EV has an all-vegan interior. Softer than leather, the custom-engineered seating material of the car is entirely vegan and far more sustainable than conventional alternatives. 

The automaker uses a bamboo-based sustainable material called Banbū. It is scratch-resistant, stain resistant, and water-resistant and ensures exceptional comfort and aesthetics, all while adhering to the brand’s stringent standards for durability.

A whopping 533 km driving range

The Malaysia-spec EV is being offered in two different drivetrains - a single rear-wheel-drive motor and an all-wheel-drive dual motor setup. While the former utilises an LFP-type battery, the latter comes kitted with an NMC-type battery which allows the EV’s Long Range trim to run for 533 km on a single charge. Tesla is yet to reveal the battery kWh size. However, it confirms that the battery is mated to a 400V electrical architecture and supports up to 250 kW of DC charging.

Tax-free in Malaysia

While addressing the importance of EVs in reducing pollutants and improving air quality, the Malaysian government rolled out some tax exemptions for electric cars last year. According to that, fully-imported electric vehicles are fully exempted from import and excise duties and road tax in the country. Also, EV buyers are entitled to get an Income tax relief of up to RM 2,500 on the cost of purchasing, installing, renting, or hiring purchase facilities, and subscription fees for EV charging facilities. Given that, the customers can enjoy tax exemption on the purchase of the Tesla Model Y in Malaysia. 

That’s all for now. Are you excited about the Tesla Model Y launch in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Tesla reveals upcoming charging locations in Malaysia