2023 Tesla Model Y production to increase, Australian delivery times blowout to 2023

UPDATE: Model Y driven in Australia

The Tesla Model Y is now in Australia, and we've driven it. Catch our video and review at the link below.

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UPDATE, June 14: Tesla Model Y demand triggers increased production

Elon Musk says production of Tesla's Model Y SUV could be ramped up for right-hand-drive markets to meet soaring demand.

After the Model Y officially went on sale in Australia late last week, a surge in orders for the electric vehicle has resulted in Tesla projecting delivery times between February and May 2023 due to supply constraints.

In a Twitter thread, Elon Musk said Tesla is trying to secure more production slots for right-hand-drive Model Ys from its Shanghai factory, admitting the brand didn't expect demand to be so high for the SUV.

The Model Y had already been delayed from its original Australian launch date of mid- to late-2021 to only just before the second half of 2022, although the extra eight- to 11-month wait will show the dedication of those who truly want the EV on their driveways.

Tesla announced full pricing and features for the Model Y last week – with the entry-level variant kicking off at $68,900 before on-road costs, while the Performance variant incurs a $25,000 premium, going on sale from $93,000 excluding on-roads.

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June 11: 2023 Tesla Model Y Australian pricing confirmed

Tesla has officially launched the Model Y electric SUV in Australia, going on sale from $68,900 before on-road costs.

Launching in two grades – the base rear-wheel drive trim and all-wheel drive Performance – Tesla's entry-level Model Y will start out at a $5000 premium over its Model 3 sedan sibling at $68,900.

Moving up to the Performance grade, its list price of $98,689 before on-road costs is just over $7000 more than the Model 3 Performance, although its price is affected more by the Luxury Car Tax.

Click the link below to see our full price and features story on the Model Y.

June 10: 2023 Tesla Model Y spotted in Australia ahead of launch

The 2023 Tesla Model Y looks set to finally launch in Australia as a number of examples have been spotted en route to Melbourne.

While the first examples of the Model Y arrived locally in August last year, these cars were understood to be used internally by Tesla for training purposes or for Government certification before customer deliveries began.

However, after multiple delays and a reported suspension of deliveries throughout the second quarter of 2022, Tesla tracker VedaPrime has declared a shipment of 150 to 200 vehicles had arrived in Port Kembla, with a number of Model Ys later seen en route to Melbourne on a car transporter (see below).

Initially slated for a late 2021 launch in Australia, the Model Y's arrival has been plauged by delays thanks to shutdowns at its assembly plant in Shanghai, having most recently been impacted by the city-wide lockdown due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Earlier this year in April, the Model Y briefly appeared on Tesla's Australian website before quickly being removed, with one customer saying they had placed an order before a company representative reportedly contacted them to cancel and refund the purchase.

The Model Y is expected to go on sale from $67,990 before on-road costs in its base trim, with the Model Y Performance jumping up to $98,172 before on-road costs.