Elon Musk hints at Tesla Model Y crossover by 2020

PanARMENIAN.Net - Tesla CEO Elon Musk shared a bunch of new details regarding its upcoming vehicles on Wednesday, May 3, including the Model Y crossover, the Model 3 sedan and Tesla's all-electric semi truck, CNet reports.

In remarks made during this afternoon's earnings call, Musk gave a hint at a launch window for the tentatively named Model Y all-electric crossover, which would be the automaker's fifth consumer vehicle. When asked how the automaker plans to reach its goal of building 1 million cars per year by 2020, Musk answered, "We need to come out with the Model Y sometime in 2020 or, aspirationally, late 2019."

Musk also confirmed that the Model Y would be underpinned by a new EV platform different from the Model 3. Some of these differences include more automation in the manufacturing process, a move to higher speed onboard network with a higher data rate and less limitations than the CAN-BUS network on modern cars. The Model Y will also switch more vehicle systems to a new base voltage than what Musk called the "vestigial" 12-volt standard of gasoline cars.

Later in the call, Musk let slip that much of the upcoming fully-electric semi truck that will be unveiled later this year will be composed partially of Model 3 parts, stating that "a bunch of model 3 motors" will power the big rig.

The Model 3 was originally going to be called the "Model E," but Ford Motor Co. already held that trademark. Musk cheekily changed the Model's name to 3, resulting in a Tesla lineup that will read "S 3 X" and, eventually, "S 3 X Y."