Tesla made in Germany: Start from early March 2022

A change in the configurator gave a subtle hint, now it's official: Tesla plans to deliver the Model Y from Grünheide starting in March. This is according to research by the platform "electrive.net," which, based in Berlin, always has a close-up view of Grünheide. In an email to employees in Germany, published in the German "Tesla Drivers and Friends" forum (TFF), March is indicated as the expected start of deliveries for the Model Y Performance from German production. Observers had already suspected this, according to "electrive.net," since a change was made in the configurator in January. March is listed as the delivery date for black and white Model Y Performance vehicles, while other colors are expected in May—previously, the performance version was simply stated as "early 2022." Although an import of performance models from China could also have been meant by a specific delivery in March, the email confirms the probable production in Germany.

Tesla promises slightly more range for the now ramping-up Model Y models 

And since Tesla likes to constantly change its vehicles, some updates have also been made to the 2022 model. Interestingly, the Long-Range model still comes from China but receives a new battery. This should increase the WLTP range of the Model Y "Maximum Range" from 507 to 533 kilometers. Tesla has, however, only homologated the version with the less aerodynamic 20-inch wheels according to WLTP. With the smaller 19-inch wheels, the Model Y is said to offer an "estimated range" of up to 565 kilometers—but this is not an official WLTP value. The Model Y Performance is listed with the new battery as having up to 514 kilometers, previously stated as 480 kilometers. The increased range thanks to "improved energy density of the battery" is also confirmed in the Tesla email. The cells likely still come from LGES, but the new battery is internally referred to as "5L," whereas the predecessor was called "5C." Another reason for the increased range: the usable capacity is said to increase from around 77 to 79 kWh.

2022 brings further detailed changes, such as a 15-volt lithium-ion battery replacing the previous 12-volt battery. Additionally, according to the Tesla email, a "faster processor for improved operation" will be installed. Electrive.net suspects that this might be the AMD Ryzen known from the Model S Refresh instead of the Intel processor since some Model Y Performance vehicles in China have already been delivered with this processor.

Numerous detailed optimizations – also for the Model 3

But the hardware has already received initial updates: In the Model Y, double-glazed windows are now also installed on the rear doors to optimize acoustics. Finally, Tesla has managed to include a standard rear luggage compartment cover to reduce noise from the trunk. There will also be an improved sound system and heated windshield wiper blades. All of this will also be available for the Model 3. Here, the range is expected to increase to up to 626 kilometers "estimated" with 18-inch wheels and 602 kilometers according to WLTP with the 19-inch wheels. A small difference with the windows: The Model 3 only has double-glazed windows at the front.

The Gigafactory Texas is also expected to go online in March – with the 4680 cells

"Electrek" has learned from insiders that Tesla also plans to deliver the first Model Y from the new factory in Texas before the end of the first quarter. However, it remains unclear whether the battery packs will be equipped with 2170 cells, as initially in Grünheide, or already with 4680 cells.

What does this mean?

Congratulations: Grünheide is starting up – not entirely on schedule, but not extremely delayed either. And even though Tesla's models remain unchanged in appearance for a long time, a lot is always happening behind the scenes to keep them up-to-date. Because they continue to set benchmarks in terms of consumption and range.