Tesla Officially Lands in Thailand with Model 3 and Y – Malaysia Next?

EV giant Tesla has officially entered Thailand, its second-ever ASEAN market foray, with the first one being our southern neighbour Singapore. Launching both Model 3 and Y, the American EV marque also plans to build a supercharger throughout the Kingdom, first ones set to debut in early 2023.

For the Thai market, the Tesla Model 3 comes in three trim levels, namely the standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant, Long Range AWD and Performance. All Model 3 variants support up to 250 kW DC fast charging via Tesla’s proprietary NACS plug.

The baseline RWD model boasts a rear-mounted electric motor that is juiced by a 57.5-kWh battery pack with a maximum travel range of 559 KM. Said motor delivers 342 HP and 420 NM, enough for a 6.1 seconds finish in a 0-100 KM/H sprint.

Next in line is the all-wheel drive (AWD) Long Range variant that rides on a twin-electric motor setup, one for each axle. A larger battery pack (75-kWh) powers both motors to deliver a claimed maximum travel range of 681 KM. Both motors produce a total output of 507 HP and 493 NM that propels this Model 3 from naught to 100 KM/H in 4.4 seconds.

Sitting on top is the Performance variant, which boasts a similar dual-motor AWD powertrain setup and 75-kWh battery pack as the Long Range AWD variant. Being a performance model, it sacrifices some travel range (608 KM) for better acceleration and top speed – 0-100 KM/H sprint in 3.3 seconds only and V-max of 261 KM/H.

Exclusively available for the Performance variant are the 20-inch ‘Uberturbine’ alloy wheels, performance brakes, as well as aluminium pedals and carbon fibre rear spoiler. For comparison, the other two variants will only get 18-inch wheels.

The baseline Model 3 is priced at THB 1.7 million (RM214,831), while the mid-spec Long Range AWD variant starts at THB 1.9 million (RM240,106). Meanwhile, the range-topping Performance spec comes with a THB 2.3 million (RM290,665) price tag.

Aside from the Model 3, Tesla also launches the Model Y compact SUV crossover. Just like its saloon counterpart, the Model Y also comes in three variants, from the baseline RWD to mid-spec Long Range AWD and the Performance spec at top.

The basic Model Y comes with an exact similar performance spec as the baseline Model 3 – 57.5-kWh battery and a 342 HP/420 NM-rated single electric motor. Being a compact crossover however, both its range and acceleration got downgraded, offering only 510 KM of travel range and 0-100 KM/H sprint finish of 6.9 seconds.

The powertrain sharing trend goes on with the midrange Model Y Long Range AWD spec, sharing the mid-spec Model 3’s 75-kWh battery pack and dual-motor AWD configuration that outputs 507 HP and 493 NM. Range is also reduced to 623 KM, while 0-100 KM/H sprint now takes about 5 seconds.

As for the Model Y’s Performance trim, it is capable to go from naught to 100 KM/H in zippy 3.7 seconds – quite remarkable for a compact SUV, though not as fast as the same-spec Model 3.

In spite of the downgraded performances compared to Model 3, the Model Y still commands a higher asking price due to its more spacious cabin offering. Tesla Thailand priced the basic Model Y at around THB 1.9 million (RM240,258), while the mid-level Long Range AWD spec goes around THB 2.2 million (RM278,194). At the top, the Model Y Performance is priced at THB 2.5 million (RM316,130).

As mentioned earlier, Tesla will also build a comprehensive supercharger network throughout the Kingdom, with the first station to be opened in early 2023. By the end of 2023, the American firm is expected to build at least 10 supercharger stations.

As all Tesla models launched in Thailand support 250 kW DC fast charging, Tesla claims a 15-minute charge at one of their superchargers can supply up to 275 KM of travel range.

As of writing, Tesla has yet to announce any plans regarding expanding its ASEAN operations into Malaysia. However, the ever-growing local EV scene should give them some ideas of our local market’s readiness to embrace Tesla. Currently, Tesla is officially on sale in multiple right-hand-drive (RHD) markets such as the UK, Australia, Singapore and Japan, with Thailand being its latest RHD market.

Considering that Tesla already has firm establishments in said RHD markets, don’t you think it is only right for Tesla to officially launch in our country? Excited to finally see a proper Tesla selling in Malaysia, alongside a full-fledged supercharger network? As always, leave your thoughts in the comments down below…