Tesla Officially Debuts In Malaysia; Model Y Launched

Tesla has officially made its debut in Malaysia with the launch of the Model Y and an infrastructure plan. The Tesla Model Y is currently the world’s best-selling battery electric SUV, and it will be sold here in 3 variants i.e. Rear-Wheel-Drive, Long Range, and Performance.

The base RWD variant is powered by a single motor and has a driving range of up to 430 km while the Long Range and Performance variants are all-wheel-drive and have a driving range of up to 533 km and 514 km respectively (based on WLTP). 0 – 100 km/h sprint times are 6.9 seconds, 5.0 seconds and 3.7 seconds respectively.

All variants are outfitted with the Premium interior package though the Performance variant also includes the Performance Upgrade package. The Premium pack includes powered front seats, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, independently folding rear seats, premium audio system with 13 speakers, 1 subwoofer, 2 amps, and immersive sound, ambient lighting, tinted glass roof with UV and IR protection, powered, auto dimming and heated side mirrors, custom driver profiles, HEPA air filtration system, 4 USB ports, 2 smartphone wireless docks, full vegan interior, and standard connectivity for 8 years (navigation only). The Premium connectivity package (includes satellite maps with live traffic visualisation, in-car internet streaming of music and media) is available on a 30-day trial subsequent to which a subscription is required.

Meanwhile, the Performance Upgrade pack adds increased top speed of 250 km/h (up from 217 km/h), 21″ Uberturbine wheels, performance brakes, lowered suspension, and aluminium alloy pedals.

Other standard items are the Pearl White exterior colour, all-black interior, 19″ Gemini wheels, 15″ touchscreen display, over-the-air software updates, and Basic Autopilot. Basic Autopilot involves auto steering, acceleration and braking for other vehicles and pedestrians within its lane. The Enhanced Autopilot pack adds Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon and Smart Summon and is a cost option.

Other cost options include the exterior colour choices of Solid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic and Red Multi-Coat, Black and White interior, and 20″ Induction wheels (not applicable to the Performance model).

Besides launching a vehicle, Tesla has also committed to Malaysia a comprehensive development plan for experience centres, service and support, as well as charging infrastructure in the country, to deliver a seamless Tesla ownership experience.

Tesla designs, manufactures, deploys, owns and operates the world’s largest fast charging network. And it has built the first indoor Supercharger Station with a total of 8 Superchargers at Pavilion KL which will be commissioned soon. Tesla’s plan also includes opening multiple Supercharging stations at strategic locations to cover popular destinations across the country. With Tesla Supercharging, Model Y, operating at peak efficiency of 250 kW, can charge up to 120 km in just 5 minutes which enables more convenient cross-country travel.

Furthermore, in line with Malaysia’s goal to promote low-carbon mobility and support the EV industry, Tesla customers will enjoy full import and excise duties exemption for newly registered zero-emission Tesla electric vehicles. Additionally, customers can benefit from 100% road tax exemption and individual income tax relief of up to RM2,500 on expenses related to EV charging facilities for the assessment year of 2023. Companies that rent non-commercial EVs may also claim tax deduction on the rental amount up to RM300,000 from the year of assessment 2023 until 2025.

The Model Y RWD starts at RM199,000 while the Long Range starts at RM246,000 and the Performance, from RM288,000. The prices quoted are exempt from import and excise duties, as well as road tax.

In addition, Tesla offers a battery and drive unit warranty of 8 years (or 160,000 km whichever comes first) for the Model Y RWD, and 8 years (or 192,000 km whichever comes first) for the Long Range and Performance models.

The Tesla Model Y is currently on display at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, and will be there until 31 October 2023. Tesla is expecting to make deliveries to Malaysian customers in early 2024.