Tesla Model Y: finally 220 kW but unchanged acceleration?

Tesla announces an increase in power for the Model Y SUV in Europe, but with no impact on performance or range. Strange.

Tesla aims to be the paragon of communication. But it must be admitted that it can become confusing over time. And probably for employees as well. When browsing the Tesla France website, one understands that the Model Y Propulsion is experiencing the same power increase as its Chinese counterpart that appeared a few months ago in Asia. The power has jumped from about 200 to 220 kW, or 271 to 299 horsepower. About thirty horsepower more, appreciable.

The other versions, Long Range and Performance, have not changed, with still 378 kW (513 hp) and 393 kW (534 hp) respectively. However, in China, the Model Y Propulsion has made a leap in acceleration performance, with a full second gain for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint. This time is now 5.9 seconds compared to 6.9 seconds in France (or in Europe broadly).

Is this a communication update delay or a strategic pause to have more to say at the right moment? For example, early 2024 when the ecological bonus might no longer apply to many competitors… but also to the Model 3 Propulsion, which is currently produced in China. Conversely, the Model Y for Europe is assembled in Germany, at the Berlin Gigafactory.

Will the performance of the battery be affected in the same way, with the Chinese model gaining a few more kilometers of range? In France, the situation is the same: no communication on the subject.

Tesla likes to maintain a technological fog around its products, but this could “confuse” the customer in the long run as electric vehicle sales skyrocket. Buyers want to know what they are about to drive when they make their choice… and sign a big check.

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