Tesla Model Y rear-drive version launched in Europe - see price

American electric car maker, Tesla, is clearly the leader in the electric car market globally. However, its performance is mostly good in the United States as well as in North America. Relative to its sales of electric vehicles in the United States, Tesla's performance in the European market is not good. According to a report by Seeking Alpha earlier this month, statistics show that Tesla’s sales in Europe halved in the second quarter of this year. Furthermore, the report also reveals that the company's market share fell by more than 50% month-on-month. Faced with this situation, Tesla has launched a cheaper new version of the Model Y in Europe. According to electrek reports, Tesla Model Y rear-wheel drive version is now available in many European countries.

From the official introduction of this electric car, the Tesla Model Y has a WLTP range of 455 kilometres. For reference, the Tesla Model Y long range model in Europe has a range of 533 kilometers. In terms of power, the rear-wheel-drive Model Y has a top speed of 217 km/h. Also, this car comes with an acceleration time of 6.9 seconds from 0-100 km/h. However, the delivery time of the Tesla Model Y is not so soon. According to the company's official website, this car will be delivered between December 2022 and February 2023. This means that potential buyers of this electric car will have to wait for four to six months to get the car.

Tesla Model Y rear-drive version costs a fortune

In terms of price, the rear-wheel-drive Model Y starts at 50,000 euros in the Netherlands. This is no less than 16,000 euros cheaper than the long-range version. However, as part of the 50,000 euros price tag, there is a VAT of about 8850 euros. The current exchange rate between the euro and the dollar is about the same. This means that if the car is sell in the United States, it will be about $20,000 cheaper than the cheapest Model Y in the United States. In some European markets, the rear-wheel-drive Model Y is even cheaper than the standard Model 3.

In March, Tesla's Berlin plant began delivering Model Y to customers. For this updated rear-wheel-drive version of the Model Y, Tesla did not indicate whether it is locally produced at the Berlin plant or imported from the Shanghai plant, but it is most likely the latter. In mid-August, Tesla China's official website reveals that the delivery time of the Model Y rear-wheel drive version had been shortened to 4-8 weeks. This is shorter relative to the previous delivery time of 8-12 weeks, which may be similar to Tesla Shanghai. The factory's production line transformation in July is related.

Tesla Model Y uses BYD blade batteries with a cruising range of 440 kilometres

The new version of the Tesla Model Y comes with a blade battery supplied by BYD. At the moment, Tesla's super factory in Berlin, Germany has a good inventory of these battries. Since the factory mainly produces Tesla Model Y, it is expected to carry BYD. The Tesla Model Y with the blade battery will roll off the assembly line as soon as one month. Of course, we know that this model is already available for purchase.

Although the model is already available for pre-order, both companies did no confirm their cooperation. This means that we will have to wait until the first batch arrives the market to confirm their cooperation. On August 11, teslamag.de reported that the German-made Tesla Model Y will be equipped with BYD blade batteries. However, we can not tell if the models on pre-order are German-made. According to teslamag.de, on July 1, 2022, the Tesla Model Y equipped with BYD blade batteries passed the EU's type certification, which was issued by the Dutch RDW (Dutch Ministry of Transport). The certification documents show that the new Model Y, known as the Model 005, has a BYD battery with a capacity of 55 kWh and a range of 440 kilometres.

teslamag.de claims the new Model Y is a step backwards in some ways, as Tesla currently only sells the Model Y long-range and performance versions in Europe. Technically, though, the BYD Blade Battery is interesting because it's a "structural package" according to EU approval.

Tesla always wanted this battery

Tesla wanted to install this type of structured battery pack on the Model Y in Germany from the very beginning. The battery and the chassis are integrated into one, forming part of the vehicle's load-bearing structure, which is the latest 4680 battery pack. Due to the delay in the production of the battery, Tesla had to opt for the Chinese 2170 battery. Thus, the Tesla Model Y in Europe will use the BYD blade batteries. The blade battery comes with a couple of advantages. Firstly, this battery reduces the weight of the car from 2,153-kilogram to 2,087 kilograms. Secondly, it reduces the overall energy consumption to 155 watt-hours per kilometer.

In addition, the rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model Y with a smaller battery has CATL as its battery supplier. The battery capacity is 60 kWh and a driving range of 455 kilometers. This is the model that is currently on pre-sale.

The blade battery is a new type of lithium iron phosphate battery independently developed by BYD. Compared with the ternary lithium battery, the blade battery has the characteristics of high safety, long cycle life and low cost. The energy density can reach 180wh/kg, and the volume is increased by nearly 50% compared with the previous generation BYD battery, which greatly improves the overall battery life of the vehicle.