Leading American automaker Tesla started offering its popular Model Y rear-wheel drive in South Korea on Friday. As per the company’s official website, the cheaper Model Y version starts at 56.99 million won ($45,139) before government incentives.
Notably, Tesla only initially sold the Model Y’s dual-motor performance and long-range versions in the country, costing about US$80,000 and US$62,000, respectively.
Tesla to start customer deliveries by August to September
Tesla stated plans to officially begin customer deliveries of the Model Y RWD between August and September.
“Estimated delivery time: August-September 2023 (subject to change depending on circumstances).”
Tesla South Korea
South Korean media reported that the said Model Y units are from China. In addition, Tesla Korea’s Twitter post regarding the arrival of the electric SUVs displayed EV production and shipment from Giga Shanghai.
As for the pricing, it can further drop to sub 50 million won after deducting Tesla’s referral program and government subsidies. Bloomberg reported that the RWD Model Y’s price could drop to around $37,000 after government incentives in Seoul. It can even go as low as $30,000 in some cities with more EV subsidies.
For context, Seoul customers can get up to 8.6 million won in subsidies for EVs qualified for the price cap of under 57 million won.
Below are the specifications of the Tesla Model Y RWD variant in South Korea:
| Tesla Model Y RWD | Specifications |
| Battery | Standard Range |
| Arrival time | 0-100 km/h in about 6.9 seconds |
| Driving distance (mileage) | 350 km (5.1 km/kWh) |
| Drive | RWD |
| Number of seats | up to 5 people |
| Wheel | 19 inches or 20 inches |
| Weight | 1,910kg |
| Maximum loading space | 2,158 liters |
| Top speed | 217km/h |
| Display | 15-inch central touchscreen |
| Supercharger Charge Max/Charging Type | up to 170 kW; Usage-based billing system |
| Product warranty | Base vehicle – 4 years or 80,000 km (based on whichever comes first) Battery and powertrain – 8 years or 160,000 km (based on whichever comes first) |
Apart from these remarkable specs, the electric SUV also offers Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot for ₩9,043,000. However, it must be noted that drivers’ attention remains highly necessary even if these features are activated.
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Launching the cheaper Tesla Model Y variant in the South Korean market could undoubtedly attract more customers to buy the EV and join the shift to sustainable mobility, further raising Tesla’s profit and stock price.
