Here is the first customer of the Tesla Model Y

Tesla caught everyone off guard with the early production of its new Model Y. So, is this an achievement or a rush job?

The first deliveries of the new Tesla Model Y started in China this Wednesday, three days before the end of February. Initially scheduled for March, this surprise advancement seems to be the result of an accelerated production at Giga Shanghai, announced just a week ago.

The improved version of the Model Y was unveiled on January 10 in China and other markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Although initial estimates set deliveries for March, Tesla had quietly moved this date forward on its website as soon as production officially began. A beautiful promise kept… for now.

This special version, based on the Long Range All-Wheel Drive, named “Launch Series,” was presented to its lucky customer with much fanfare. This limited launch series, offered at over 60,000 euros, comes with an all-inclusive package. It includes all possible options, even if they are still limited at Tesla, and the Full Self-Driving (FSD), usually priced at $8,000… but still not approved outside of China! One might think that in a few years, this could increase the car’s value, but when we see that BYD offers it even on its cheapest models, we understand that this additional expense is absolutely worthless. Except for the joy of being among the first to drive a Juniper!

The energy of despair at Tesla?

However, this good news for Chinese consumers contrasts with the situation in other markets. In North America, customers who ordered their Model Y at its launch still have to wait until mid-March at the earliest to receive their vehicle. In Europe, Tesla has chosen to gradually expand the range and remove the launch edition from the online configurator. But while the Long Range All-Wheel Drive can be delivered as early as March, those who ordered the Standard Range will have to wait until April.

This rapid advancement in China comes at a time when Tesla has a lot at stake. Between underwhelming sales performance, criticism of its pricing, and ongoing controversies surrounding its CEO, Elon Musk, the brand has every interest in polishing its image. We hope that this first happy customer will be the first of a long series, as the company needs an acceleration more than ever. One thing is certain: Tesla’s strategy seems to be to bet on speed to outpace the competition and dispel doubts.

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