Tesla Model Y Electric Car Spotted Testing In Pune For ARAI Certification
Just a few days ago, we shared a video in which a Tesla Model Y was spotted testing on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Well, now we have a few detailed images of the Model Y being parked outside a home in Pune. The vehicle was fully covered in camouflage, and reportedly, it is undergoing ARAI tests for its range certification. Most likely, the launch of the Model Y will take place before the second half of this year. Along with the Model Y, Tesla is planning to launch the Model 3 in the country as well.
Tesla Model Y: Spotted Testing
These spy images of the Tesla Model Y being tested by ARAI have been shared on Instagram by The Drivers Hub on their page. In the images, the test mule of the Model Y can be seen parked outside a home on an empty street in Pune, Maharashtra. There are a few videos as well in the post which show the vehicle reversing.
ARAI Certification
For those who may not be aware, ARAI, or Automotive Research Association of India certification, is a mandatory process for any vehicle to be legally sold and registered in India. Under the ARAI tests, the organisation makes sure that the vehicle complies with Indian safety, emission, and road-worthiness standards. It takes a couple of months of thorough testing for a vehicle to pass ARAI tests.
Tesla Model Y
Now, coming to the details of the Tesla Model Y, the electric SUV will be one of the first offerings from the American electric vehicle manufacturing giant in India. This model, internationally, is sold in three variants; however, the Indian market is expected to get the RWD and Long Range AWD variants. The former will be offered with a 59 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 455 km.
The Model Y sold in India will draw its power from an electric motor, which will generate 231 bhp and 380 Nm of torque. In addition to this, the company will also be offering the Long Range AWD variant, which will come with dual electric motors producing 441 bhp and 493 Nm of torque. The range of this model will be around 662 km, as it will get a 75–82 kWh battery pack.
In terms of design, earlier this year in January, Tesla gave the Model Y a major facelift. The SUV has ditched the old standard headlights set-up for a connected LED DRL and a split headlight set-up. The front end overall now looks more modern and futuristic and still boasts the clean and clutter-free design. The rear has also been thoroughly updated and gets connected LED taillights and a sharper design.
On the inside, like all other Tesla cars, the Model Y boasts a very futuristic and simple cabin. Its main highlight is its 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless phone charging, premium audio system, panoramic sunroof, Tesla Autopilot, full self-driving, and Tesla Vision.
As per the reports, Tesla is planning to launch the Model Y in the next few months. Pricing-wise, reports have stated that it could be launched in the range of Rs 60–70 lakh. It will compete with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 GT, and other premium electric SUVs.