Here's what goes into building the world's best-selling car.
The Tesla Model Y recently became the best-selling car in the world, but what goes into making this popular electric crossover? In a new video, Lars Moravy, Vice President of Vehicle Engineering at Tesla, shares what he thinks makes the Model Y so appealing to customers.
People can't get enough of crossovers. The blend of space, practicality, and a taller driving position is a winning combination for many but in a market that is filled with options, Tesla needed to go a step further. “What we wanted to try to do when we made the Model Y is take the [crossover] notion and just blow it up,” says Moravy.
The regular Tesla attributes – impressive range, engaging dynamics – are present, but Tesla decided to give the Model Y an off-road mode. While you won't be able to scale mountains with this EV, it does provide extra capability when venturing away from the tarmac.
“It gives the Model Y a capability that you might not otherwise get in a pretty sporty crossover SUV,” adds Moravy. It's worth noting Tesla will also sell you an off-road package for this model, which consists of chunkier tires and wheels. If you want a more extreme off-roader, you'll have to look at aftermarket options.
Unlike legacy automakers who have years of experience to recall, Tesla uses a “first approach” strategy. Instead of accepting what is possible, Moravy claims Tesla pushes the boundaries. “What does physics say is the envelope? That's how far we will take things.”
The Model Y is a technologically advanced car that is capable of impressive performance. But Moravy's favorite part by far is the rear casting, which is milled from a single piece of alloy. Interestingly, Tesla developed its own alloy to get around a problem.
“One of the problems when you make big pieces of aluminum is that they warp when you heat treat them,” explains the engineer. “But with Model Y, we actually invented our own alloy. It is able to achieve super high levels of strength and durability, which saves on money, cost, and energy because we don't have to heat treat it with these giant ovens. More importantly, it keeps that part straight and that means we don't have to machine the whole thing.”
Moravy notes that Model Y had to appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers. Those looking for space and practicality would be well-catered to, but the vehicle still had to drive like a Tesla, he adds.
“Every car we build, every new product we make […] ultimately it results in a product people love, and that's when you know you've hit the right point of vehicle engineering,” concludes Moravy.
With the updated Model 3 in the pipeline, it's only a matter of time before the Model Y also receives a refresh. So far, we know the 3 will benefit from a subtle nip/tuck, new interior styling, and even more technology.
On another note, a recent report suggests Tesla's engineering team has faced several issues regarding the development of the Cybertruck. Pre-production models were reportedly plagued with a bevy of problems that included structural shake, poor refinement, body roll, and even water leaks.
With production of the Cybertruck expected to kick off before year-end, we're confident Tesla will have sorted all these issues out by then. Based on how Tesla developed the Model Y, perhaps the Cybertruck will be the surprise of the year in all the right ways.
Keyword: Tesla Engineer Explains What Went Into Developing The Model Y