- The Tesla Mannequin Y Commonplace’s fabric-covered glass roof has stirred up controversy.
- Individuals are saying it is a case of decontenting gone too far.
- Lars Moravy, Tesla’s prime engineer, took to X to clarify the choice.
Tesla’s been getting lit up left and proper for one explicit cost-cutting measure it introduced its newly unveiled cheaper Mannequin Y: the “closed glass roof.” The 2026 Mannequin Y Commonplace comes with what seems like the identical panoramic glass as its pricier siblings—nevertheless it’s lined up with a cloth headliner so you’ll be able to’t see out of it.
That is led individuals everywhere in the web to ask one apparent query: Significantly? As a result of at first look, that does not seem to be a value lower in any respect. It seems extra like Tesla spent more money to make the automotive—which already loses fundamental options like Autopilot and FM radio—much less interesting.
As Tesla’s prime engineer defined on X on Thursday, there is a technique to this insanity.
“All glass is NOT created equal,” Lars Moravy, the automaker’s vice chairman of auto engineering, stated in an X reply to a submit in regards to the roof.
Not like the glass within the Premium fashions, the Commonplace Mannequin Y’s roof lacks a reflective coating that retains infrared rays out and retains the cabin cool, he went on to clarify. Furthermore, he stated, “LOTS of individuals needed a closed headliner.” And that is smart. Numerous Tesla house owners, notably in hotter locations, set up a shade as a result of the automotive simply will get too darn scorching in any other case. (The automaker even sells one itself.)
He stated the material improves highway noise too. And in one other remark he addressed the largest elephant within the room right here—one we questioned this week too. How precisely does having mainly the identical roof however lined up with additional materials allow you to save on price?
One X person requested straight up: “Why go together with glass as an alternative of steel?” Forward of the stripped-out Mannequin Y’s reveal, many speculated {that a} glass roof could be one of many first fancy options to go.
“Price, provide chain and manufacturing effectivity in our factories,” Moravy replied.
Evidently, it is less complicated and cheaper to maintain churning out vehicles with a variation of the identical half than attempting to toss a brand new one into the combo. A steel roof must be stamped out, and it must be affixed to the automotive too, probably utilizing a distinct technique than the glass slab.
After touting plans for brand new “extra inexpensive fashions” for months, Tesla on Tuesday revealed the Mannequin Y Commonplace and Mannequin 3 Commonplace. The brand new base trims drop the MSRP for Tesla’s hottest fashions by round $5,000, partially making up for the latest expiration of the $7,500 EV tax credit score. However the brand new—particularly the Mannequin Y—include vital compromises too. It is TBD whether or not these barely cheaper variants can do a lot for Tesla’s stagnating automobile gross sales.
There’s another profit to utilizing the glass roof, in accordance with Moravy:Â “It seems cooler.” Robust to argue with that.
Contact the writer: Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com
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