Tesla, the company that sells the largest number of fully electric vehicles in the world (nearly 1.37 million in 2022), has added Malaysia to its list of markets, currently numbering around forty.
First model is the Model Y
Tesla will start off with the Model Y in three 5-seat versions, priced from RM199,000 to RM288,000. The cheapest version has only rear-wheel drive with a single motor while the other two versions have dual motors and all-wheel drive.
Tesla doesn’t quote powertrain output numbers but instead focuses on specifying range which is claimed to be 430 kms to 514 kms, depending on the version.
Customers can get a number of options and other than Pearl White (for which there is no extra charge), the other four exterior colours available will add RM5,000 or RM10,000 to the price. Likewise, for the interior, black is standard but there is the option of black and white for an extra RM5,000.
Aftersales and warranty
The good thing for owners is, of course, that they will get full aftersales support for their vehicle. No more having to go to Singapore or even getting technical assistance from Hongkong. It’s not known if owners who bought through private importers will have their vehicles accepted for aftersales support.
And of course, there is also the factory warranty which is 8 years or maximum of 160,000 kms, and the same time period but a maximum of 192,000 kms for the Model Y Long Range and Performance versions. Warranty and aftersales support are important not only to ensure that parts replacement is easy but also when there are recalls to fix issues, owners will be properly notified.
Supercharger network already started
The company has also been quick to set up its own high-speed charging stations called Superchargers (which it makes itself). There are 45,000 Superchargers worldwide, of which 2,000 are in the Asia-Pacific region.
The first eight stations in Malaysia have already been set up at Pavilion KL (though not operational yet, pending approvals). Additional stations will be in Penang, Ipoh and Johor but so far, there seems to be nothing planned for the East Coast or East Malaysia.
Different business model
There won’t be dealers selling the vehicles as Tesla operates on a different business model. Instead, interested customers visit Experience Centres to see the cars and try them. Ordering is done online, a practice of the company in other markets as well.
It’s believed that there are thousands of orders for the Model Y already, but the first customers will only receive their SUVs in early 2024. With no plans mentioned about local assembly (highly unlikely), the vehicles would be imported from the Giga Factory in China.