Tesla Model Y = 2020 CleanTechnica Car of the Year

January 8, 2021 in Zachary Shahan

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It’s time to announce 2020 CleanTechnica Car of the year. The winner this time was a given, as it is expected to become the best-selling electric vehicle in the world. In the United States and Canada – the only places it is being delivered – it is already the best-selling electric vehicle.

We are, of course, talking about the Tesla Model Y.

Model Y stands out in practically all categories. It offers superhero-level performance, a cargo space cave, unmatched Tesla technology (infotainment as well as driver assistance technology), great variety, style good enough for Hollywood stars, the best efficiency any SUV, improved finish compared to the extremely popular model 3 vehicles that came before it, and competitive prices.

I have yet to see an analysis that does not give praise to the Model Y, and I have yet to find an SUV that can fully correspond to this electric powerhouse.

The Model Y accelerates like a sports car, handles almost as well as the Model 3, despite having approximately 50% more cargo volume (68 cubic feet versus 43 cubic feet), it has the largest and best infotainment screen in the world (the same as the Model 3), it has market-leading autopilot, as well as “Full Self-Driving” if you choose that more advanced driver assistance option, and produces zero emissions.

The three different options of the Model Y in terms of 0-60 mph acceleration are as follows:

• 3.5 seconds – Model Y performance
• 4.8 seconds – Long range Y model
• 5.3 seconds – standard Y model interval

For more detailed analysis of the Model Y, see:

1. Tesla Model Y comment from owner of full Tesla S-3-XY line
2. Tesla Model Y and Model 3 owner shares first thoughts on Model Y (review by CleanTechnica)
3. The Ultimate Tesla Showdown: Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y
4. My first impressions when driving a Tesla Y model
5. New owner of Tesla Model Y is very excited (video analysis)
6. Tesla Model Y offers “Bliss Disconnected” on car trips over the weekend, Outside magazine
7. The Ultimate Tesla Showdown: Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y
8. Tesla Model Y compared to Tesla Model 3, Model S and Model X – from S3XY owner
9. Tesla Model Y performance – 1st dynamic direction analysis (video)
10. Review of Jay Leno’s Tesla Model Y (video)

In addition to direct analysis, we also publish cost of ownership analyzes for Model Y and competitors. These analyzes are based on several assumptions, but in general, using moderate assumptions, the Model Y outperforms competitors of lower gasoline SUVs.

For more details, see:

1. Tesla Model Y Price Drops – New Cost of Ownership vs. Lexus RX
2. Save $ 39,000 to $ 114,000 by driving the Tesla Model Y, the best crossover in the world
3. Tesla Model Y vs. Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S

Overall, we expect great things from the Model Y. I suspect it could easily sell over a million vehicles a year. We will certainly be watching that.

2021 CleanTechnica Car of the Year Competitors

While we’re here, I’ll briefly share the candidates for 2021 CleanTechnica Car of the Year Award. In the coming weeks, we will publish more in-depth content about these vehicles. In the meantime, browse and tell us if it looks like there is an electric vehicle model coming in that needs to be added or moved.

• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• Lucid Air
• Polestar 2
• Rivian R1T
• Volkswagen ID.3
• Volkswagen ID.4
• Volvo XC40 Recharge

CleanTechnica Car of the year rules

The one-year award period comprises the last two quarters of the previous year and the first two quarters of the award year. Thus, to qualify for the 2020 award, a vehicle had to go to the market in the 2nd half of 2019 or 1st half of 2020. To qualify for the 2020 prize, a vehicle had to go to the market in the 2nd half of 2019 or 1st half of 2020.

There are many factors we consider with these awards, but the main thing is to try to determine which vehicle will have the greatest long-term positive impact in the world.

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Selling Teslas in 2012 vs. 2021

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Tag: CleanTechnica Car of the Year, Tesla, Tesla Model Y