The electric vehicle market is dominated byTesla. Can the startup’s popular cars survive the onslaught of competition from giants like Ford and GM?
That was the big question I wanted to answer when I got behind the wheel of a new car. After testing more than a dozen battery powered rides in the last year, I wondered if they could live up to the hype. The company’s fanatical supporters are either right or wrong.
I borrowed a friend’s car to see if I could drive it. The company does not offer press loans.
First, the basics
The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/Insider
The Model Y is the most popular car in the world. The starting price is $65,990 and there are two motor that give all-wheel drive. The base model of the Performance version is a lot more sporty than the Performance one.
The company does not have a dealership and sells its cars online. Delivery can be taken at a location of the buyer’s choice.
The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/Insider
What stands out: Cutting-edge technology, sporty driving, and effortless charging
There are no buttons, vent, or gauge in the interior of aTesla. The cabin’s design is reminiscent of an apple store.
The minimalist look is made possible by a large touchscreen that controls almost all of the vehicle’s functions. The door locks, A/C settings, and navigation system can be found in this command center. Outside-the-box features like games and a digital whoopee cushion can help owners pass the time while they charge.
The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/Insider
The display is easy to use and has great graphics. The Model Y’s cockpit is a tech nerd’s paradise due to the software updates that are added byTesla.
Thanks to a flat floor and tall glass roof, there is plenty of room in the front and rear seats. The Model Y has a generous trunk up front and an under-floor storage area in the back, both of which are not found in most EV’s.
The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/Insider
Despite not being the Performance model, the Model Y I accelerated quickly, darting forward with every nudging of the pedal in the same way that other high-powered EV do. It offered quick, precise steering that allowed me to point exactly where I wanted to go.
The SUV was kept centered in its lane by the advanced autopilot feature of the car. It could be useful on long highway trips.
The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/Insider
It is easy to charge up after a long day. One can plug in their car at one of the country’s 1,500 Supercharging locations after loading a credit card into theTesla app.
The process of filling up a non-Tesla at a public plug is a lot more complicated than using a fast-charging station.
What falls short: Overcomplicated controls and a bumpy ride
The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/Insider
The Model Y is a tech-lover’s dream, but it could prove to be a nightmare for the less tech savvy.
Basic functions like opening the glove box, changing the wiper speed, and directing the air vents require using the touchscreen, which is not just inconvenient but also distracts. I couldn’t help but think about how someone like my mom, who needs help using DVR and shudders at the thought of navigating some new app, might be overwhelmed by a fully digital driving experience.
The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/Insider
The Model Y doesn’t have the conveniences of Apple andAndroid Auto.
The Y’s suspension doesn’t insulate passengers from rough roads. There was a lot of wind and road noise.
Our impressions: An excellent choice, but not the only option
The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/Insider
The fans of the electric car company have a point. The Model Y is packed with dazzling tech, drives better than most SUVs, and generally feels different from other cars.
It’s not perfect. Issues like inconsistent build quality and difficulty with repairs are important considerations, but I didn’t experience either firsthand.
The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/Insider
The Model Y is a great choice for a lot of buyers. The EV-curious have more attractive options than ever before as players like BMW and Rivian enter the space. The competition is getting more intense.
