Tesla Model Y Could Be Elon Musk's Secret Weapon, Most Innovative EV Yet

The Tesla Model Y electric compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that should get to U.S. showrooms in late 2020 will be, by far, the most sophisticated and innovative of all Tesla electric vehicles (EVs). And the easiest to build.

This machine will come with an incredible number of innovations and new tech under the hood, making it the most advanced Tesla electric vehicle (EV) by far. That seems reasonable given Tesla engineers have amassed a world of experience in designing and building the Models S, 3 and X over the decade. In other words, the Model Y can be said to set the new apex for Tesla manufacturing.

There are new and innovative production methods that will make building the Model Y cheaper, easier and less costly in materials. All these interesting aspects about the Model Y were revealed in Tesla's patent applications.

One of the updates is a far more innovative production process for the Model Y compared to other Tesla EVs.

A new rigid wiring system will dramatically reduce the immense length of electrical wiring of the Model Y compared to its older brothers. The new method will slash the total length of electrical wiring in a Model Y to just 100 meters, compared to the 1.5 km of wiring in the Model 3.

In addition, these rigid wiring harnesses will make it easier for robots to install them. Once adopted, this type of harness will make the Model Y the first Tesla EV to use this kind of wiring and casting system.

Analysts note this system and the experience to be gained in installing it will stand the Tesla Pickup Truck, the Tesla Semi, and the next-generation Roadster 2 in good stead.

There's also commonality, a key factor in keeping down the price tag of the Model Y. This CUV will have 75 percent of its parts similar to the Model 3. In turn, this means that production improvements that work for the Model 3 will work for the Model Y.

One Tesla expert predicted the new tech will revolutionize Tesla’s overall manufacturing operations. The source added the Model Y will basically complete Tesla's transition into a mainstream car maker.

Another new innovation revealed in the patents is a “Multi-Directional Unibody Casting Machine for a Vehicle Frame and Associated Methods.” Musk himself let this cat out of the bag earlier on by revealing the new casting machine will be capable of casting almost the entire body of a Tesla EV in one piece.

This startling innovation will virtually eliminate the need for a tremendous number of welds across an EV body.

“When we get the big casting machine, it’ll go from 70 parts to 1 with a significant reduction in capital expenditure on all the robots to put those parts together,” Musk said in an earlier interview.