Tesla’s Mysterious Model Y Compact SUV Might Have Model 3’s Solar Roof And Fully Autonomous Driving Mode Features?

Dec 30, 2016 01:21 PM EST | Ed Saludes

While the electric vehicle community eagerly waits for the release of Tesla's first mass-market car, the Model 3, there is another vehicle that is being developed by Elon Musk's company - the Model Y. This SUV was announced by the company last July and is described as the crossover version of the Model 3, which is scheduled to be launch in late 2017.

There is no production timetable yet for Tesla's Model Y. According to Musk, the Model Y will be built on a Model 3 chassis. A Microbus, which will have high people density potential, was also confirmed by Elon Musk on his Twitter account. Musk clarified that it is different electric vehicle.

Details about the upcoming SUV remain behind the curtains. Elon Musk's discussions on future Tesla vehicles might give clue on what Model Y will bring to the table. His comments on Model 3 hint at possible features of the compact SUV.

According to Business Insider, Model Y could have falcon-wing doors. This was shared by the South African entrepreneur on Twitter but he later deleted the post. However, a cached version of his tweet is still available.

Another Model 3 feature that is speculated to appear on Model Y is the solar roof. Again on Twitter, Musk said that solar roofs "would probably be an option" on the Model 3. Tesla unveiled in October its solar glass shingles, which will act as a defroster on the roof of a car.

Another October announcement from Elon Musk revealed Tesla's plan to add new hardware that will enable its newer cars, Model S and Model X, to be completely autonomous. Customers need to fork out $8000 more to have the Enhanced Autopilot features. The complete autonomous system might find its way on Model Y.

Tesla faced issues before with the Model X's cargo space. The company will address this problem in the Model 3. The Model Y is then expected to have more room for storage.

The video below talks about Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles. Share your thoughts on the article in the comment section.

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