Tesla has made its Model Y L quicker off the line, with a 0-100kph time of 4.5 seconds. The six-seater previously took five seconds to do that—not bad at all for a family SUV. But Tesla left more on the table and, without changing the Model Y L’s basic powertrain, wrung out half a second of performance. How did that happen?
On paper, the specs look the same. The Model Y L still uses a dual electric motor setup hooked to an 88.2kWh lithium-ion battery. While Tesla didn’t specify how it achieved 4.5 seconds, there might be a new software calibration, similar to how internal combustion engine vehicles can get more power from an ECU tune.
Alternatively, some international sources have pointed to a new TL2 front motor in the Model Y L in China. The motor cranks out 176kW (236hp), up from the previous 132kW (177hp). But that version also comes with additional range, whereas the updated Model Y L listed in the Philippines retains the 681km of range from the SUV’s original launch.
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Wherever the extra boost comes from, the added performance won’t be at the customer’s expense. The updated Model Y L keeps its P2.849 million sticker price and retains its delivery time of two to three months.
Tesla is also beefing up its charging infrastructure in the country, along with a special activation in SM City Clark from October 2 to 18. Read more about these new chargers and the test drive event here.
