The new restyled version of the Tesla Model Y sees its top speed drop from 217 to 201 km/h. What are the reasons?
Tesla is, to date, the only global manufacturer that does not bother to write press releases detailing, in detail, the characteristics of its products. New and restyled, it’s the big omerta. We know nothing, absolutely nothing, about the dimensions, volumes, engine technologies, battery capacities. No spokesperson or engineers speak to explain choices. No one can be reached either: “ Buy, and shut up!« .
A particular approach which, above all, opens the door to many interpretations and hypotheses. Like the one which consists of explaining why the Tesla Model Y 2025 are now limited to 201 km/h, compared to 217 km/h recently… or even 250 km/h for the Full Autonomy version a few months ago.
A fall which, on paper, is very anecdotal, because no one really ventures at these speeds with machines weighing 2 tonnes empty, electric moreover, at the risk of seeing the autonomy collapse in a few dozen kilometers.
Hidden savings?
Safety doesn’t really come into play, because even at 201 km/h, the impacts are dramatic. Despite everything, being symbolically above 200 km/h is a guarantee of performance in the subconscious of customers. The first reason for this drop in top speed is to be found in the use of electric motors with lower rotation speeds. So technologically less advanced and less expensive.
The same goes for the approval of tires which can therefore go down a notch in terms of load and speed indices. High-performance tires are expensive, and multiplied by the millions of them needed annually, the economies of scale are gigantic.
Tires with lower speed ratings can also offer better longevity (the big criticism of Teslas which destroy their tires very quickly), because they are subject to less thermal and mechanical stress. Likewise, these tires adapted to lower speeds can have optimized rolling resistance, thus improving the autonomy of the vehicle, Tesla’s great (commercial) fight, particularly with a Model Y which has not evolved technologically.
Reliability in question?
The durability of the mechanical components then comes into play. By limiting the maximum speed, Tesla seeks to reduce wear on components, which results in a reduction in maintenance costs for users, but also in warranty coverage.
Finally, by reducing the speed of the “family” versions, Tesla creates differentiation in its range: the Model Y Performance version, intended for customers seeking thrills, maintains higher speeds, thus justifying its high-end positioning and more Dear.
The next logical step would be an electronic bridle at around 180 km/h like many manufacturers in Europe.
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