A Look At Tesla Model Y The New All-Electric Brand

Now that the long-promised affordable version of the Model 3 is finally available for order, Tesla is launching its next ploy to bring all-electric motoring to the masses: the Model Y. A compact crossover that's essentially a taller and more spacious version of the Model 3, the Model Y offers an optional third row of seats for seven-passenger capacity.

Tesla wisely decided against gimmicks such as the Model X's gullwing rear doors and looks to have kept things relatively simple with the Model Y. The styling is remarkably similar to the Model 3's, although the proportions are somewhat different due to its taller body and roofline. The interior is similar too, with a gigantic 15.0-inch touchscreen dominating the dashboard and few other controls, and it offers cargo space under the hood—a "frunk" like the Model 3's. The Autopilot set of semi-autonomous driving features will be available.

Charging will be available for Model Y owners at Tesla's Supercharger network of fast-chargers, with drivers being charged by the kilowatt-hour like they are for most other Tesla models.

The Model Y will likely be built at Tesla's Gigafactory plant in Nevada, as well as at a new plant in Shanghai, China, that is still under construction. Musk claims that Tesla will reach a million cars built globally by this time next year; the company says it has built around 500,000 cars in its entire history so far.