Considering an Electric Vehicle? Here Are Some Alternatives to the Tesla Model Y

With Revised 2024 Electric Car Subsidy
Tesla Model Y’s Actual Purchase Price Increases
Which Vehicle Emerged as an Alternative?

Tesla, a leader in the electric car market, especially its best-selling Model Y, is extremely popular in Korea. The Model Y was one of the top choices for consumers buying an electric car, but recently, consumers are having difficulty choosing an electric vehicle.

According to the revised electric car subsidy plan announced on the 7th, the actual purchase price of the Tesla Model Y is expected to increase by more than $1,700. As one of the top-selling models in the global market and domestically, this is a significant burden for consumers. Consequently, the number of consumers looking for alternatives to the Model Y is increasing. So, which cars have these consumers been eyeing?

Slightly Underpowered but Over $5,000 Cheaper EV6

The first vehicle we will introduce is the Kia EV6. It has four trims: Light, Earth, Air, and GT-Line. The standard model’s Light trim starts at approximately $41,000, which is approximately $5,000 cheaper than the Model Y, which starts at approximately $46,300. However, the power performance is disappointing if you choose the basic trim. The basic trim has an electric motor that delivers 168 horsepower and 350 Nm of maximum torque to the front wheels.

On the other hand, the Model Y offers higher power performance, delivering 295 horsepower and 420 Nm of maximum torque. If you choose the dual motor specification in the EV6, you can experience an enhanced performance with a maximum power of 232 horsepower and a maximum torque of 605 Nm. However, the driving distance decreases by 19km to approximately 218 miles. The price is approximately $4,300, approximately $2,000 higher than the single motor specification.

20 km Longer Driving Distance
Hyundai Ioniq 5 with the Same Specs

The Model Y has a 60 kWh LFP battery, while the EV6 has a 58 kWh lithium-ion battery. The driving distance is 350 km for the Model Y, while the Kia EV6 provides a 370 km (approximately 230 miles) drive, which is a 20 km longer drive. The EV6, with its 800 V multi-architecture, can charge from 10% to 80% in less than 18 minutes, providing a quick charging speed advantage. However, the Model Y offers a significantly larger cargo capacity of 1,919 liters than the 1,300 liters of the EV6.

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, which shares the same E-GMP platform as the EV6, offers the same motor and battery specs. The futuristic-looking Ioniq 5 might appeal better to some consumers. The starting price of the Ioniq 5 is approximately $42,000 for the standard trim. However, the driving distance is slightly less, with a maximum of approximately 209 miles possible on a single charge. The trunk capacity is smaller than the Model Y, but at 1,600 liters, it’s larger than the EV6.

Polestar 2 at the Same Price
Higher Performance and Longer Driving Distance

The Polestar 2, which recently reduced its price by approximately $850 to match the Model Y’s price range, is also worth considering. Although it’s not a crossover like the Model Y, it has been praised for its more luxurious exterior and sporty ride. The Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor delivers a maximum output of 299 horsepower and a maximum torque of 490 Nm.

Compared to the Model Y, the Polestar 2 offers slightly higher performance. In terms of battery specs, the Polestar 2 is also better. It comes with a 78-kWh lithium-ion battery, allowing for a maximum driving distance of approximately 279 miles, approximately 61 miles longer than the Model Y. The Model Y uses a Chinese LFP battery, so in terms of battery recyclability, energy density, and driving distance, the Polestar 2 is expected to have more subsidy benefits.