Tesla Model Y design flaw highlighted
Electric car blog says integration of tailgate within rear bumper will send insurance premiums soaringFollowing its launch Stateside, a new potential design flaw with the Tesla Model Y has been identified that could result in costly repairs following a simple parking accident.
According to
, the new Tesla Model Y has a poorly designed rear hatch that makes it vulnerable to being damaged because the lower edge of the hatch extends into the rear bumper.
Tesla's thinking was to lower the lip of the rear boot for easier loading, but placing the lower edge of the hatch within a bumper designed to cushion low-impact collisions could send repair costs spiralling.
In some cases, the US blog suggests, even a low-speed impact will require the entire tailgate to be replaced.
This, Insideevs.com suggests, will see insurance rates soar for the battery-powered SUV compared to a vehicle with a better designed bumper that can cushion the blow.
In Tesla's defence, it isn't the only car-maker that places the rear hatch in harm's way. The Jaguar I-PACE also positions its rear hatch in line with the bumper, but it's placed higher up to avoid damage from careless parking or rear-end collisions.
No doubt the US car-maker is aware of the potential issue, but the Model Y is claimed to pass all global crash tests.
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