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2022 Tesla Model Y: Will Australia get the cheaper Standard Range variant? Reported leak suggests new EV could still get similar line-up to Model 3

Revealed in March 2019, the Model Y has been a long time coming for Australian buyers.

All-electric vehicle specialist Tesla has long advertised two variants of its new mid-size SUV, the Model Y, for Australia, but an alleged leak indicates a third, cheaper version has also been homologated and could be offered locally.

Citing unpublished Australian government documents, Twitter account VedaPrime suggests the yet-to-be-released Model Y’s already confirmed mid-spec Long Range and flagship Performance dual-motor variants could be joined locally by an entry-level Standard Range single-motor version.

Seemingly referencing information that will soon be made public on the Australian government’s Road Vehicle Certification System (RVCS), VedaPrime claims the Standard Range comes with a 62.3kWh battery, while the Long Range and Performance get an 82.8kWh unit.

For reference, the local Tesla website lists the Long Range’s estimated range as 505km, while the Performance lasts 480km in between charges. The testing standard by which these claims are measured is not currently known.

Also of note, the Long Range’s sprints from a standstill to 100km/h in a claimed five seconds flat, while the Performance is 1.3 quicker to triple digits.

Interestingly, VedaPrime says the Model Y supports a 360V electrical architecture in Australia, instead of the closely related Model 3 mid-size sedan’s 400V setup, which the larger Model S sedan and Model X SUV also have.

According to VedaPrime, the Standard Range and Long Range come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels but have the option of 20-inch items locally, while the Performance is exclusively fitted with a staggered 21-inch package.

VedaPrime adds the five-seat Model Y’s braked towing capacity is 1600kg, while unbraked is 750kg, no matter the variant.

As reported, standard equipment in the Australia-bound Model Y includes power-folding side mirrors with heating, a tinted glass roof, a 15.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, a 14-speaker sound system, power-adjustable front seats with heating, and heated rear seats.

The big question, of course, is when local order books will open for the Model Y, but all the signs point to them doing so before the end of this year, with first deliveries to take place during the same timeframe or in early 2022.

Pricing and full specification details for the Model Y are expected to be confirmed when order books open, but if another right-hand-drive market, Hong Kong, is any indication, it should be positioned about $5000 above the Model 3 (from $59,990 plus on-road costs).