Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe.

You’ve decided to buy the car that for the last few years has been the top sold model in the world, gas or electric, the Tesla Model Y. Tesla has factories in California (Fremont), China (Shanghai), Texas (Austin), and Germany (Berlin) that have been churning them out for the US, Chinese, European, and other international markets. All Model Ys have a large power liftgate that can be configured for hands-free opening. All Model Ys are taller and have more rear seat foot room than the Model 3. All Model Ys come with the newest mini-super computer and upgraded cameras, including a new camera in the front bumper/facia (Hardware 4) that can run Full Self Driving V14, Tesla’s latest spectacular version of its automated driving software.

All Model Ys give the option for dual motors/AWD for $2,000. Dual motors give you better traction on slippery roads in cold climate winters and better acceleration. The base Model Y RWD is 5.4 seconds for 0 to 60 mph, while the base model with dual motors is 4.6 seconds for 0 to 60 mph. Note: my base Model Y RWD has faster/smoother acceleration than any gas car I have ever owned.

All Model Ys have the option of a tow bar receiver, which Tesla calls a tow hitch ($1,000 if factory installed/$1,300 if installed later).