Tesla Model Y ready for right-hand drive production

The all-new 2022 Tesla Model Y could soon be available to order in Australia as right-hand drive production of the Chinese-built SUV commences for Hong Kong-designated vehicles, according to local delivery tracker VedaPrime.

Hong Kong will reportedly receive its first vehicles in September.

It is understood the same Shanghai factory responsible for right-hand drive Hong Kong production will be charged with manufacturing Australian-market vehicles, which suggests that Aussie orders could open as early as August.

Hong Kong pricing of the Tesla Model Y indicates that the SUV should impose only about a $5000 premium in entry price compared to the similarly-sized Tesla Model 3 in Australia.

Based on recent local pricing changes to the Model 3, which pushed below $60,000 for the first time, the Model Y could land for around $65,000 plus on-road costs.

However, uncertainty still looms over the Model Y’s Australian timing and we’ve sought confirmation from Tesla.

A potential hurdle beckons in the form of setbacks at Tesla’s European factory in Grünheide, near Berlin.

According to Tesla chief Elon Musk, the setbacks stem from a final environmental permit needed for the plant’s construction.

Tesla originally planned to commence European Model Y production at the German plant in July, for as many as 500,000 Model Y and Model 3 vehicles (combined) per annum.

However, according to Automotive News Europe, production there has been pushed back to the end of 2021 at the earliest.

Citing German news agency dpa, ANE says Tesla will lean on its Shanghai manufacturing plant to deliver European production while awaiting the Berlin plant’s completion.

Given Europe has exponentially more EV volume and stricter emissions legislation than Australia, this latest roadblock could pose additional delays for deliveries Down Under.

Tesla forecasts the Model Y to be its most popular model globally, with sales dominated by the US and Chinese markets.

First revealed in March 2019, the Tesla Model Y shares about 75 per cent of underpinnings with the Model 3 – and is available with up to seven seats.

Compared to the Model 3, the Model Y offers more interior space for occupants and their luggage, the latter courtesy of a bigger ‘frunk’ and a larger cargo area that has multiple compartments.

The Tesla Model Y Long Range variant has a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up, a range of 505km (WLTP), a top speed of 217km/h and a 0-100km/h sprint of 5.1 seconds.