Model Y Spotted in the Wild

A photo of a Model Y working prototype in the wild has emerged on Twitter.

Posted by charging network ChargePoint, the photo shows a rear view of the all-electric crossover in blue.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1126910714835161089

Tesla unveiled the Model Y in March and offered test rides to attendees, then displayed it briefly at its Palo Alto headquarters, but it’s been otherwise tough to catch a glimpse of the highly-anticipated vehicle.

ChargePoint also shared a photo of a camera-equipped Model S, seemingly ready to shoot promotional video of the Model Y. ChargePoint didn’t offer any details on the location of the photo, but it’s possible the Model Y was visiting the company’s Campbell Calif. headquarters to test on ChargePoint equipment.

It’s likely we’ll see more Model Ys testing in public as we get closer to the first deliveries to start in the fall of 2020.

 

[AlMason]

Noticed a cut-out panel in the lower/center of the rear bumper - Looks like they are designing in a tow revceiver interface to the Y, as they should.

 

[DrGene]

Since its blue maybe its the same model Y Elon brought on stage???

 

[electracity]

Noticed a cut-out panel in the lower/center of the rear bumper - Looks like they are designing in a tow revceiver interface to the Y, as they should.

The details looked refined and ready to build.

 

[AlMason]

The details looked refined and ready to build.

Hopefully, it will be a bolt-on option that can be added during/after delivery.

 

[electracity]

Hopefully, it will be a bolt-on option that can be added during/after delivery.

Don't most SUVs come with a receiver? I've only owned large SUVs and I never recall having to buy the receiver. I've never looked , maybe the RAV4s of the world it as an option.

 

[AlMason]

Don't most SUVs come with a receiver? I've only owned large SUVs and I never recall having to buy the receiver. I've never looked , maybe the RAV4s of the world it as an option.

 

[AlMason]

Many come with a reciever interfaces -- Mounting points, threaded holes an a connection point for the wiring. The dealer or outside installer bolts on the optionally purchased reciever and wiring harness. Toyota Highlanders and many other makes do this as not everyone wants a receiver for a hitch

 

[Silicon Desert]

ah.... no more chicken wing doors

 

[dethman]

Looks so much better than the 3...

 

[Ostrichsak]

Looks so much better than the 3...

Agreed.

 

[kirby]

just about ready to order my model 3, firmly decided on the exact specs, BUT, would really like to have the Y instead. Website says delivery in 20-21. Seems like a long wait. Anybody thinking it might be early?

 

[ecarfan]

just about ready to order my model 3, firmly decided on the exact specs, BUT, would really like to have the Y instead. Website says delivery in 20-21. Seems like a long wait. Anybody thinking it might be early?

Based on every car model Tesla has produced to date (and I’ve owned all of them) it is extremely unlikely that Y deliveries will start “early”, but it all depends on where you place your “first deliveries” date estimate. You mention “20-21”. That’s pretty broad. Given that we are currently seeing working Model Y vehicles driving long distance on public roads, that’s a good sign.

 

[electracity]

just about ready to order my model 3, firmly decided on the exact specs, BUT, would really like to have the Y instead. Website says delivery in 20-21. Seems like a long wait. Anybody thinking it might be early?

Probably not for a new order made today. I think Tesla will deliver tens of thousands of MY in 2020, but presumably the order queue is that deep.

If model 3 sales slow Tesla will have more capacity to ramp model Y production. If model 3 sales remain solid they have limited incentive for a quick Y ramp. However Q1 is traditionally the slowest car sales quarter. It is the logical time to start configuring the plant for Model Y production. So production in Q2, as rumored, makes a lot of sense. I would be surprised if Q2 Y production is not Tesla's plan today.

So following this logic a model Y order today perhaps could be built at the end of 2020, but more likely 2021.

The buying behavior of the model Y order queue is a large unknown. The impact of Y sales on 3 sales is also an unknown.