Tesla Model Y: The Competition

Tesla has been a forerunner in electric vehicle technology, building cars people want to buy, but the stock price has riled up the detractors. “The company is going bankrupt”, “They can’t deliver on time”, and the list goes on. I even used to think that way, but something changed.

The Model Y is releasing end of 2020 and has most major options and pricing already announced. Competitors haven’t announced pricing yet, so they might adjust it by launch time. Is the competition really competition? You tell me.

Important, many numbers estimated or not yet final, please don’t quote these.

Model Y (Available 2020)

The Model Y is based off the Model 3 and shares approximately 75% of its parts, according to Tesla in their Q4 update letter. The styling is very similar but slightly more bulbous offering up to 7 passenger seating with a full length glass roof and high performance acceleration and long ranges from 230 to 300 miles.

Speculation on my part is the Y is 6-8″ taller than the 3 through the roof and back. I analyzed based on pixel difference of the roof-line based on known wheel size of 20″. I measured approximately 180 pixels bead to bead on the front wheel and 64 pixels difference in the roof line.

Dimensions (estimated)
Length: 185″ (4.7 m)
Width: 73″ (1.85 m)
Height: 64″ (1.63 m)
Wheelbase: 113″ (2.88 m)

As of now, the Model Y is offered with the same options as the Model 3, with the exception of the 7 passenger seating option. Range is a bit less due to more aerodynamic drag force from its larger size and acceleration is worse from added weight. Tesla doesn’t advertise battery sizes but they are approximately 55 kWh to 75 kWh.

Charging depends on battery size and will be up to 250 kW in the long range version, AWD, or performance models, and charging rate of smaller battery has not been advertised. The long range model can charge up to 170 miles in 15 minutes at a V3 supercharger when charged near the low end of the battery charge.

Jaguar IPace (Available Today)

The IPace is Jaguar’s first entry into the EV scene, with a stylish 5 passenger SUV with a glass roof, air suspension, available heads up display, and more. Jaguar markets the IPace vs the Model X, but given the smaller size it might be more similar to the Model Y.

Dimensions:
Length: 184″ (4.67 m)
Width: 75″ (1.91 m)
Height: 61″ (1.55 m)
Wheelbase: 117″ (2.97 m)

The IPace has a large 90 kWh battery, 234 mile (377 km) EPA range, and 100 kW charging. This corresponds to about 60 miles range in 15 minutes.

BMW iX3 (Available 2020)

The electrified version of BMW’s best selling vehicle in the US for 2018, the X3, is coming sometime in 2020. It will have a 250 mile (WLTP) range, which can be approximated at about 90% of that for the EPA cycle, or 225 mile (362 km) EPA, estimated. Not much is known about this car yet, but price is expected to be over $55,000. This is all based on rumors and concept model so will likely change some by release time.

Dimensions (X3):
Length: 186″ (4.72 m)
Width: 75″ (1.91 m)
Height: 66″ (1.68 m)
Wheelbase: 113″ (2.87 m)

The battery is 70 kWh and the motor is 270 hp (200 kW). The max charge rate is reportedly 150 kW.

Mercedes EQC (Available 2020)

The Mercedes EQC is a premium vehicles in the same size segment as the GLC SUV. It offers a powerful 402 hp (300 kW) total output from its electric motors, premium interior with 80 kWh battery and approximately 450 km NEDC, equates to about 200 miles (322 km) EPA range, estimated. Charging is at 110 kW.

Dimensions:
Length: 187″ (4.76 m)
Width: 74″ (1.89 m)
Height: 64″ (1.62 m)
Wheelbase: 113″ (2.87 m)

VW ID Crozz (Available Late 2020)

The ID Crozz uses VW Auto Group’s new MEB platform. The ID Crozz is the concept name, the final name will be different. The vehicle is a compact utility vehicle powered by 201 hp (150 kW) rear motor and 101 hp (75 kW) front motor for a total of 302 hp (225 kW) system power.

Dimensions:
Length: 182″ (4.63 m)
Width: 74″ (1.89 m)
Height: 63″ (1.61 m)
Wheelbase: 109″ (2.77 m)

The battery is estimated to max out at 83 kWh and have a range of about 280 miles (450 km) EPA, estimated. There might be versions with less. Charging is estimated at 150 kW.

Audi e-Tron (Available 2019)

The Audi is a premium 5 passenger SUV. It offers up to 4,000 lbs towing (1,814 kg), with 402 hp (300 kW) motors, 150 kW charging, and a 95 kWh battery. The range is 248 miles WLTP, which should equate to about 225 miles EPA, estimate. Audi claims charging of 160 miles in 30 minutes at max charge rate.

Dimensions:
Length: 193″ (4.90 m)
Width: 76″ (1.93 m)
Height: 66″ (1.68 m)
Wheelbase: 115″ (2.93 m)

Conclusions

These cars are all so different so it makes direct comparison difficult. The EQC, iX3, and Jaguar are definitely trying to sway existing MB, BMW, and Jaguar owners into getting an electric vehicle from them instead of jumping brands. These vehicles are priced like the high end vehicles from those makes and off lots of luxury amenities.

The VW ID Crozz seems the most serious attempt from any manufacturer to compete directly with Tesla, but we don’t know details yet. It is hard to know what it will have for autonomous features and at what price point it will be available.

Here are some tables to help you decide. Again, these contain some estimated values, we are talking mostly 2020 cars after-all.

Rough estimates based on battery capacity and reported range and estimated average charge speed. These could be in error.

Jaguar, MB, and Audi all try to compare their EVs to the Model X, but size wise they are more like the Model Y. Cargo space and dimensions are more similar to it than the X. However, the equipment levels are very different and it all depends on what features hold value for you.