Tesla Model Y Officially On Sale In Malaysia For RM199,000

Tesla has announced that its latest all-electric SUV, Model Y, is now available to order in Malaysia starting from RM199,000.

This Model Y is electric car will be available in three trims: Model Y (Rear-wheel drive), Model Y Long Range, and Model Y Performance. The estimated delivery date will be in early 2024.

The Model Y is based on the Model 3 sedan platform. It shares an estimated 75 percent of its parts with the Tesla Model 3, which includes a similar interior and exterior design and electric powertrain.

The Model Y fills a smaller and less expensive segment than the mid-sized Tesla Model X. Like the Model X, the Model Y offers optional third-row seats for a seven-passenger seating capacity.

In the first quarter of 2023, the Model Y outsold the in-famous Toyota Corolla to become the world’s best-selling car, the first ever electric vehicle to claim the title.

The Model Y provides between 455km to 533km of claimed WLTP driving range depending on the variant.

The Model Y RWD has a single-motor setup and is most efficient, while Long Range and Performance models gain more powerful dual-motors for all-wheel drive and a larger battery to yield some extra driving range.

The key difference is the RWD’s lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery that can recharge at up to 170kW DC (with no charge limit), while the Long Range and Performance with a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) pack peaks at up to 250kW DC speeds (with a 90 per cent charge limit recommendation).

So, what about Tesla maintenance? Well, the Model Y adopts a condition-based servicing scheme, meaning the vehicle will notify the owner when its sensors detect it is time for check-up via the mobile app.

Tesla also recommends a range of specific routine maintenance tasks, including:

• Cabin air filter – every two years
• HEPA filter – every three years
• Tyre rotation, balance and wheel alignment – every 10,000km/if the tread depth difference is 1.5mm or more
• Brake fluid test – every two years
• Air conditioning desiccant bag – replace every four years
• Cleaning and lubricating brake callipers – every 12 months/20,000km

So, what will PEKEMA members do with their current stocks of used and partially used Tesla cars sitting in their stockyards around the country?

What will previous Model Y customers react to this selling price which is much lower than what they paid to AP holders this last year?

Will Tesla Malaysia look after recon Tesla owners now that they have started operations in Malaysia or will they ask them to get ‘outside’ help?