What is AMA?
AMA (Ask me anything) is an “online Q&A” activity specially organized by Garage No. 42 for car enthusiasts. The selected topics cover car knowledge, purchase advice, industry popular science and other topics. We will regularly invite experienced car owners and industry professionals to be guests on the show to provide targeted answers to difficult problems.
Topic of this issue: AMA with American Model Y Owners
Q: Hello, may I ask how much power third-party piles can generally achieve? How long does it take to charge from 10% to 80% in supercharging and third-party charging respectively, which is the comfortable charging zone? What is the average energy consumption in the city? Thank you!
A: I have 7.2kW, 50kW, and 80kW piles from different companies.
Q: Have you encountered any problems with the vehicle so far?
A: I’ve driven nearly 6000 kilometers in two months. I don’t know the specific reason, but a few days ago it suddenly showed that the front motor was disabled, and then the power was reduced. I went to the store and got the motor replaced for free.
Q: Is the North American 2021 Model Y 82 degrees electric?
A: No, it is 77 degrees as well.
Q: Would Terry recommend girls to buy this car? Is it a bit too big for girls?
A: It is even cuter for girls to drive, and the operation is simple and easy to get started.
Q: What is the experience of using Tesla’s autopilot?
A: I didn’t buy FSD, the basic AP is already very good, especially for long-distance driving.
Q: Can the Model Y adjust regenerative braking? Is it the same in the United States? Kids are carsick.
A: There is still an option for regenerative braking.
Q: If a Labrador sits in the second row, do I need to buy a cushion?
A: Yes, it is recommended to buy a cushion that connects the entire rear seat together like a swing.
Q: Do you have any recommended car bed mats?
A: Currently no, there is no demand yet.
Q: What is the recommended tire pressure for a comfortable ride?
A: It is recommended to use the value recommended by the official.
Q: What are the differences in driving experience and enthusiasm compared to Model 3?
A: The center of gravity is higher, and it will feel a little “wobbly” when turning, but it is still much better than other brands.
Q: What is the experience of using Tesla’s autopilot?
A: I didn’t buy FSD, the basic AP is already very good, especially for long-distance driving.
Editor’s Note:
The current features enabled with FSD in China include: NoA (automatic assisted navigation driving, the vehicle can basically achieve automatic driving on highways), intelligent summon, automatic lane changing after turn signal, and automatic parking.Q: Model Y can’t adjust regenerative braking? Is it the same in the United States? What about motion sickness for children?
A: Currently, the US version of the car still has the option to adjust regenerative braking.
Q: How do American Tesla owners perceive Tesla’s frequent price cuts?
A: It seems that there hasn’t been a significant price cut in the US, only slight decreases. Those who buy earlier enjoy it sooner.
Q: Will there be a decline in range during winter? How much of a decline does your car experience?
A: Only 2/3 in winter, and I don’t drive aggressively.
Q: Have you ever encountered issues with phantom braking?
A: Not currently.
Q: Are there many third-party charging options in the United States if you don’t use Superchargers? Are there many stations available?
A: There are quite a few, perhaps related to my location in the Bay Area. Charging facilities are quite sufficient in my area, but it may be more difficult in the Midwest.
Q: At full charge, how much range does the vehicle have?
A: 220-250 miles in winter.
Q: Have you installed any protective plates for the batteries/motors for off-road driving?
A: I don’t go off-roading, it’s just a grocery car. I haven’t installed any protective plates and don’t have that skillset.
Q: Do you think it’s necessary to wait for the 7-seater version?
A: It depends on whether there is a regular need to carry more than five people.
Q: Do you use Autopilot during your daily commute? And what’s your experience with Autopilot since buying the car?
A: I’ve been working from home for a year, but I use Autopilot on most marked roads. It’s been okay so far, but the turning speed can be a bit frightening.
Q: Would the electric engine slip on icy surfaces during winter driving?
A: Yes, it would haha. I have driven on snowy surfaces before, and it’s quite slippery. It’s best to switch to winter tires in winter.
Q: How stiff is the suspension on the Model Y compared to the Model 3, which is said to have stiff suspension?
A: The Model Y suspension is also stiff compared to other SUV brands, but the seats are much softer and more comfortable than the Model 3.
Q: Which wheel size did you choose? How comfortable is it? Some people are afraid that choosing a larger size would compromise comfort and durability. Do you have any experience in this regard?
A: I chose the 20-inch Induction version, which feels the best among the three wheels. If you’re not sure, you can go to the store to check it out in person. Pictures may not be as impressive as the actual experience.
Q: Have you ever parked your car in a particularly cold place? If it’s around -10 degrees Celsius, how much electricity would be consumed overnight?
A: Sentry mode would consume about 5-8% of the battery, and without it, only 1-2%.Q: If Y and 3P are priced the same, which one would you choose?
A: Y, because it has enough performance and larger space.
That’s all for our AMA event. Thanks to car owner @Baye42 🐳 for generously answering. If you have any other questions, please scan the QR code on the poster at the beginning of the article to ask the car owner.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.