Tesla Model Y could get a 'super long range' model, and that's a huge deal

Tesla Model Y could get a 'super long range' model, and that'due south a huge deal

(Epitome credit: Tesla)

The Tesla Model Y may be about to get an of import range upgrade in the form of a "super-long range" version of the EV.

That's according to a report from The Driven, which cites "documents filed with Chinese authorities." If true, it means that Tesla, fifty-fifty with range operation that far exceeds that of the contest, is not getting conceited well-nigh information technology — in fact, far from information technology.

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The Model Y is currently 1 of the least impressive Tesla models in this regard, to the extent that Tesla scrapped the standard-range model of the car because information technology could only manage 244 miles. For context, Tesla boss Elon Musk has previously alleged that anything less than 250 miles of range is "unacceptably low."

For that reason, in the U.S. yous can only buy the more expensive Long Range and Functioning Model Y models, which come with 326 miles and 303 miles of range, respectively. Currently, the only place you tin can buy a Standard Range Model Y is Hong Kong.

According to The Driven'south written report, this new Model Y is set to come up out of China, and will be good for 640km (397 miles), based on NEDC testing. Apparently that will probable be closer to 550km of real-world driving range, or 565km/351 miles on the U.s.a.-based EPA scale.

While that may not seem like a huge heave, it's worth pointing out that this is the real-earth driving estimate — which will be lower than the advertised range. And since EPA range is often higher than NEDC, we tin probably await the model to offer effectually 400 miles, should this car ever come to the U.S. and should the written report be accurate.

That'southward a major increase over the Long Range Model Y'due south 326 miles, and indicates that Tesla plans to continually push the range limits of its cars.

The war against range feet

Musk has previously stated that there'south lilliputian betoken in EVs offering more than 400 miles of range, stating that "What we are seeing is that once you lot have a range above 400 miles, more range doesn't really matter. There are essentially zero trips higher up 400 miles where the driver doesn't demand to stop for restroom, food, coffee, etc. anyway."

But that said, information technology makes sense for Tesla to endeavor to go as close to 400 miles as possible, considering range anxiety is a real thing. And, as Tesla increases the stamina of its own cars, other automakers will exist doing the same with theirs; whatever your opinions on Tesla, it'southward fair to say that they are the trailblazers in the EV world, and so when they do something, anybody else takes notation.

It'south as well worth pointing out that, every bit a whole, the Tesla Model Y has the worst range of all Tesla vehicles. After all, the Long Range and performance Model 3s offering a respective 353 and 315 miles of juice. They as well cost $4,000 less than their Model Y equivalents.

Then, if Tesla could give a Model Y 400 miles (or so) of range, then who knows what it could add to its other cars? We've already seen it become beyond 400 before: the Tesla Cybertruck can go for more than than 500 miles without charging, while the now-shelved Tesla Model S Plaid Plus was set to offer 520 miles. The incoming Tesla Roadster is even supposed to have a crazy 620 miles per charge.

At that place'south merely so much space for a bombardment in whatever of these cars, meaning there'due south a limit on how big they can be. Simply nosotros practice know from Tesla'south Battery Day presentation that information technology has been working on squeezing more energy into smaller batteries.

Sadly, The Driven's report says that there's no word on how big the battery in the 'Super Long Range' Model Y is probable to exist, so we don't know if this has actually happened hither. And the size of the Model Y means in that location is more room for a larger battery pack anyway.

In any instance, the study paints a rosy pic for Tesla's time to come, and one that will only encourage other automakers to follow conform.

More: Tesla Model Y vs Tesla Model Ten: Which Tesla SUV is right for you?

Tom is the Tom's Guide'southward Automotive Editor, which means he can ordinarily be institute knee deep in stats the latest and all-time electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It'due south long way from his days equally editor of Gizmodo Great britain, when pretty much everything was on the table. He's commonly found trying to clasp another giant Lego prepare onto the shelf, draining very big cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he really needs online.