Tesla EVs are officially coming to Malaysia - Here's everything you need to know

Announced in early March this year, Tesla is set to enter Malaysia officially and establish a head office, experience (showrooms) and service centres here, alongside setting up their fast-charging Supercharger network.

So, here’s everything you need to know about Tesla, and what makes it stand out from other EVs.

Explain Tesla’s current model range

Currently, there are four models in production - Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. Put the letters together and it’ll be easy to remember these four models. Prior to the Model Y, it was only the three models, and you can guess what Elon Musk did.

Anyway, the Model S is Tesla's flagship sedan which is about the size of a G30 BMW 5 Series. There are two variants depending on markets; the more powerful Plaid version can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in about 2 seconds, while the Dual Motor variant does the century sprint in 3.2 seconds.

Both variants get a 100 kWh (nominal) battery, with a claimed range of up to 652 km on the Dual Motor variant and 637 km for Plaid variant. Charging capabilities are 11 kW AC, 250 kW DC.

The Model 3 is Tesla's compact executive sedan (roughly the size of a G20 BMW 3 Series) and is the company's most affordable vehicle. Power output is up to 513 PS/660 Nm for the Performance AWD variant, which accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.

Two battery sizes are available – 57.5 kWh and 75 kWh, with an NEDC range of up to 559 km and 681 km respectively. Charging capabilities are 11 kW AC, 250 kW or 170 kW DC charging depending on variant.

The Model X is Tesla's mid-size SUV (slightly larger than the G05 BMW X5, smaller than a X7) that is based on the Model S. It features Falcon Wing doors that open vertically, which is said to make it easier for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle.

Drivetrain options mirror the Model S, with the same battery size and charging capability.

Lastly, Model Y is Tesla's compact SUV (BMW X3-sized), based on the Model 3. It is said to feature a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers. It gets the same drivetrain configuration as the Model 3.

Currently, the Model Y is Tesla’s biggest seller globally and was Europe’s best seller in Q1 2023.

You may have heard or read about the Cybertruck or the Roadster, but neither are production ready at time of writing.

Also read: Despite poor quality, Toyota admits there is value in learning from Tesla's manufacturing know-how

What makes Tesla special compared to other EVs?

For one, Tesla sells directly to consumers without traditional dealerships. The company says that this expedites its product development and, more significantly, enhance the customer buying experience.

There are also a few unique features, such as Sentry mode. With Sentry mode, you can keep a vigilant watch over your parked Tesla vehicle from anywhere across the globe.

Suppose your car gets hit by anything significant enough to trigger the system, the external cameras will start recording, and you will receive an alert via the Tesla app notifying you of the incident. This functionality spares you the anxiety of pondering the origins of any unexplained dents.

There’s also automatic-open door option in the Tesla Model X. As the driver approaches the Model X with the key, the doors unlock and swing open entirely. This feature can be enabled or disabled through the in-car display.

The Tesla app itself is one of its most compelling features, enabling drivers to operate their car from practically any location.

The app provides instant notifications in case sentry mode is triggered. You can check your vehicle's charging status, regulate the climate control, as well as lock and unlock your car. You can also locate the nearest Supercharger, see information on the charging speed and availability as well.

Which brings us onto the Supercharging network itself. As an early adopter of electric vehicles, the company couldn't rely on third-party charging networks and instead had to establish its own.

Early adopters were given free Supercharging for the life of the car. Now with over 45,000 chargers globally, a big part of Tesla’s success is down to the wide coverage of the Supercharger network.

Another special feature is the integration of battery pre-conditioning into their trip planning system. This functionality allows Tesla cars to pre-heat or cool their battery pack before reaching a Supercharger location if the driver enters it into the navigation system.

This feature ensures that the battery is ready for optimal charging performance, minimizing the time required for charging and providing a more efficient driving experience.

Not to forget, there’s also the Light Show that enables Teslas to put on a light display synchronized to music, utilizing the vehicle's headlights, taillights, cabin lights, and other lighting components. Users can also create their own custom Light Shows or try out others’.

Also read: A Californian liberal's favourite - Tesla Model Y finished 2022 ahead of Toyota Camry for state's top sales title

What about the Autopilot feature? Can it drive itself?

Not really. There are three levels of Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance system – Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability.

The Autopilot feature was introduced in 2014 and is standard on all new Tesla cars. It’s basically adaptive cruise control with lane centering. By SAE standards, it’s a level 2 automation.

Enhanced Autopilot features autonomous parking, auto lane change, and "Navigate on Autopilot." This function enables the vehicle to navigate from an on-ramp to an off-ramp on the highway without driver intervention, though the driver must always remain alert.

The Enhanced Autopilot also features Summon and Smart Summon, which enable the vehicle to drive to the driver in a parking lot without requiring any manual input.

FSD is supposedly the advanced option that includes all functions of Enhanced Autopilot and adds Traffic and Stop Sign Control, which identifies stop signs and traffic lights and slows your car to a stop on approach.

Tesla still categorises the feature as a "beta," indicating that it serves as a tool to evaluate the feature with real-world drivers. Tesla initially introduced the FSD in 2020 and has since continued to enhance its functionality periodically.

Despite its name, the car can’t actually drive itself and still requires drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel at times. By that definition, it’s still a level 2 automation.

How much will Tesla cars be priced in Malaysia?

In Thailand, Tesla sells the Model 3 and Model Y, which we can use as a reference point in terms of pricing.

Prices for the Model 3 start from:

• THB 1,759,000 (around RM 220k) for the base trim
• THB 1,999,000 (around 251k) for the Long Range
• THB 2,309,000 (around RM 290k) for the Performance

Meanwhile, prices for the Model Y start from:

• THB 1,959,000 (around RM 245k) for the base trim
• THB 2,259,000 (around RM 283k) for the Long Range
• THB 2,509,000 (around RM 314k) for the Performance

Also read: Tesla Model 3 & Model Y launched in Thailand, from RM 221k, up to 681 km range

When will Tesla arrive in Malaysia?

As of the time of publication, details regarding the official launch date, the number of service centers/chargers, and the specific models to be introduced by the brand remain undisclosed. Watch this space for more updates on the arrival of Tesla in Malaysia.

Also read: Tesla set to officially enter Malaysia: Bringing car sales, offices, service centres and Supercharger network