tesla model y

International automotive manufacturing expert Sandy Munro – previously a vocal critic of Tesla – has praised the latest efforts by the electric-car maker in building its new Model Y compact SUV. The upcoming Model Y is based on the brand’s existing Model 3 sedan platform and shares approximately 75 per cent of its components with its smaller sibling to reduce manufacturing cost.

Tesla's vehicles may be of the zero-emission variety, but, like all cars, their production can have an impact on the environment. Reuters reports some local residents who live near the site of the company’s planned German factory are protesting over concerns it will impact their water supply. Tesla announced last November it would build its first European car factory in Grünheide, in the eastern state of Brandenburg.

Silicon Valley-based electric vehicle specialist Tesla has posted a significant financial loss during the second quarter of 2019, to the tune of US$389 million ($560.36m). Reported by industry journal Automotive News Europe, the company's financial loss is "far more than analysts" had projected despite sales rising by over 50 per cent to US$6.35 billion ($9.15b). As expected, though, the company's outspoken CEO, Elon Musk, remains positive about the company's fortunes looking forward.

Fisker has provided a peek at the 'close to' US$40k electric vehicle it's preparing to take on the Tesla Model Y, ahead of its reveal on March 18. The car won't actually hit the market until 2021, by which point Henrik Fisker is expecting solid-state battery technology to be ready for mass consumption – and at a price that'll allow his company to sell its electric vehicle for the equivalent of AU$55,000.

Tesla is aiming to commence production of the new Model Y SUV from November 2019, according to a new report out of the US. Reuters claims two anonymous sources "with knowledge of the supply chain" have confirmed the Silicon Valley-based EV specialist will kick off manufacturing of its second crossover model late next year, along with the commencement of Chinese production two years later.