Tesla Model Y 2022-2024
UK buyers guide

This is the history of changes and specifications on the Tesla Model Y in the UK market only.

While the first generation Model Y seems like there hasn't been many changes, Tesla constantly making changes under the skin and in manufacturing processes. So while all cars look the same on the outside, there's often huge changes that you don't see. For example, later models are quieter as they have more sound deadening and the way the underbody is manufactured changes with the use of gigacastings.

Oct 2021 - Model Y available to order in the UK

The Model Y became available to order from 15th October 2021, with deliveries expected in early 2022.

Tesla does not state the battery size or specs. But it is believed both these models have the same 78.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, made with nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA) 2170 cells from LG Chem. The usable capacity is ~75 kWh.

Tesla only quote the following specifications for each model:

Feb 2022 - UK deliveries start.

Following delays, the first right hand drive Tesla Model Ys arrived in the UK in February 2022. The first customer deliveries began on 15th February with only around 25 cars handed over to owners. But a mass delivery event followed on 19th February at the Horizon Cruise Terminal in Southampton.

These first cars did not have parcel shelves or the side rails to support one. Cars arriving in the Autumn did have parcel shelves. See July 2024 section below for further details on parcel shelves.

June 2022 - Price increase.

On 22nd June, Tesla raised prices by around 4% due to supply chain pressures. The LR model rises to £57,990 and the Performance to £67,990.

Aug 2022 - RWD model launched

On 26th August, the RWD was available to order at £51,990, with deliveries expected in December.

This has a single motor, driving the rear wheels and an LFP battery. The 60 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) pack uses prismatic cells from CATL. The usable capacity is around 57-58 kWh. The LFP battery can be charged to 100% regularly without causing degradation and Tesla recommends at least a weekly charge to 100% to maintain accurate state of charge calculations. The RWD model has the same 11 kW AC charging, but the DC charging is reduced to 170 kW.

The RWD models do not have front fog lights, but retain all the other same equipment and trim levels. Unlike the Model 3, the RWD Model Y also has the same premium audio (13 speakers, 1 sub, 2 amps) as the LR AWD & Performance models.

The battery and drive unit warranty on the RWD models is 8 years or 100,000 miles (reduced from 120,000 miles on the LR models).

Late 2022 - USS removed

Tesla removed ultra-sonic sensors from the Model Y so all new cars now have no parking sensors at the front or rear and a new vision only warning system will be introduced later via an OTA update.

Jan 2023 - Price reductions

On 13th January Tesla slashed the Model Y prices. The RWD dropped by £7,000 to £44,990. The LR dropped by £5,000 to £52,990. The Performance dropped by £8,000 to £59,990.

Feb 2023 - Comfort suspension arrives

Cars with the revised suspension arrive in the UK. LR AWD models from February 2023 and RWD models from March 2023 get the new comfort suspension.

Apr 2024 - Model Y now fitted with HW4 & new colours available

The Model Y is now fitted with "Hardware 4" (HW4) in the Shanghai factory and the first cars arrive in the UK on 20th April 2024. HW4 is the new self driving computer with more processing power and upgraded cameras. The front camera resolution is now 2896x1876 compared to 1280x960 on previous HW3 cars. The easiest way to visually distinguish a HW4 car is by checking the side indicator cameras, whereas HW4 camera has a noticeable red tint on the lens, while HW3 does not.

Two new colours, Quicksilver and Cherry Red, are now added to the configurator.

Tesla announced their plans to start making the right hand drive Model Y in Berlin, Germany. This factory has previously only made left hand drive models for the EU. All RHD Model Y's have only been produced in Shanghai, China.

May 2024 - Berlin factory starts making RHD Model Y

On 4th May 2024, Tesla confirmed that the Berlin factory is now making the right hand drive Model Y with the first Berlin made Model Ys due to arrive in the UK around 30th June. Many were hoping we would get the BYD Blade LFP battery as this was only in Berlin made cars, but this never made it to the UK shores.

The first Cherry Red and Quicksilver cars were delivered in the UK from 16th May. These are from the Shanghai factory.

In May were many news articles about a new extended range Model Y RWD and also a new option to software unlock extra range from existing RWD models. Even thought his was widely reported in the UK, this was only applicable to US cars as their RWD model used a software locked LR battery pack to get within the Federal tax credit.

Jun 2024 - The first Berlin made Model Y

On 6th June 2024, Tesla confirmed that the first Berlin made Model Ys were on their way from the factory and the VINs have been assigned.

Jul 2024 - Portable charger (UMC) no longer included

Cars built from July 2024 no longer include the Tesla universal mobile charger (UMC). These now have to be added on the configurator for £180 or purchased later from the Tesla Shop.

Aug 2024 - Black Gemini wheels become available

On 23rd August, black Gemini wheels are added to the configurator as a no cost option. This was more than just a different coloured wheel cover as the alloy wheel underneath was also black. The silver Gemini wheels still remain as a choice.

Oct 2024 - LR RWD introduced. LFP dropped. 7-seats now available in UK.

On 4th October 2024, a new model is available to order - the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive. This is only £2,000 more than the previous single motor RWD, which has now been dropped. The new LR RWD uses the same battery as the LR AWD. The previous RWD model used a China made LFP battery with CATL cells and due to higher import duties now levied on them, all cars now have packs with Tesla, Panasonic or LG cells.

Also the LR AWD reduced by £1,000 to £51,990. The Performance remained the same at £59,990.

Jan 2025 - RWD no longer in production

Production of the new shape (Juniper) Model Y starts at both Shanghai and Berlin factories.

On 26th January, the old shape RWD is removed from the configurator. But the AWD and Performance models remain available to order.

Feb 2025 - Old shape Model Y ends

On 16th February, the production of the old shape Model Y ends and now only the new shape is rolling off the production line in Berlin. It is likely that the Shanghai factory also ended production of the old shape Model Y at the same time too.

On 21st February, the old shape Model Y was removed from the UK configurator.

Errors and omissions excepted. Tesla do not produce sales brochures and the information on their website is also brief with the minimal specifications listed. They also continuously make changes to the hardware and do not restrict such changes to model years or major refreshes like other manufacturers do. Also due to the over-the-air updates, existing vehicles continue to get new features and functions over time and therefore can end up being very different from when it was new.  So keeping track of changes is a challenge and this guide was primarily made by following announcements on social media. If you find any mistakes or omissions, please do email.