Tesla Model Y Launching In 2018: 7 Expected Features

A Tesla crossover SUV has been creating a buzz ever since the company's CEO Elon Musk tweeted the image of a crossover vehicle in July 2016, specifying that it had a Model 3 chassis.

Even as Tesla hasn’t confirmed the "Model Y" name yet, several rumored reports have suggested the name for the next Tesla car after Model 3. Autocar reported Tuesday that the car could be unvieled in 2018.

The report added that the Model Y could be slightly more expensive than the Model 3 and may cost around $45,000. It also stated that Model Y could turn out to be one of the best-selling cars from the company since crossovers are currently ruling the U.S. auto market. With over 7 million units being sold in the U.S. in 2016 alone, the car could go into production later this year.

Here are 7 expected features of the Tesla Model Y:

Full Autonomy

Up till now, Tesla has improved autonomy with every Autopilot update including the recent Autopilot 2.0. The company’s current cars are still semi-autonomous but, it is expected to endow the Model Y with hardware that will support full autonomy. The system is expected to cost $8,000 at the time of purchase, on the top of the value of the car.

Crossover version of Model 3

Going by the image accompanying Musk’s tweet above, the Model Y is expected to be a crossover version of the company’s first mass-market oriented car — the Model 3. Basically, it could be simply a Model 3 style car with additional hardware and software based features.

Read: Model 3 Production Begins Feb. 20

Solar Roof

Post Tesla’s merger with SolarCity, the company is expected to create a version of its solar roof panels, which could be placed atop its cars. If the feature rolls out on the Model Y, customers will be able to charge their cars while its parked or even while driving during the day. The company’s CEO Musk has already indicated that the feature could be included in the upcoming Model 3 and might not be too expensive.

Falcon Style Wing Doors

The Tesla Model Y is expected to come with Falcon wing style doors, which open upwards. Musk indicated the same in a tweet in October 2015, but then deleted it soon afterwards.

Spaceship Style Dash

The Model Y is expected to come with heads up dashboard display, which “feels like a spaceship”, similar to one on the Model 3, about which Musk tweeted in April.

The display will show the driver data such as navigation information and speed limits on the windshield itself.

Read: Tesla 2017 Roadmap

238 Miles on a single charge

The Model Y is expected to top the Model 3 base range of 215 miles per charge and compete with the Chevy Bolt’s 238 miles per charge range.

More Cargo Space

Unlike Tesla’s premium SUV, the Model X, the Model Y is expected to have a bigger boot as its second row of seats will be foldable, providing customers with 88 cubic feet of interior storage.