Connect with us

Lifestyle

Tesla Model Y third row seat test explores options for a comfortable 7-seat setup

Tesla Model Y with rear-facing Model X seats. (Credit: YouTube | DaErik)

Published

on

Tesla Model Y buyers will have the option to purchase an optional third row of seats with their new electric crossover. While the final setup and seating arrangement for the Model Y’s third row seats is not available yet, YouTuber and Tesla enthusiast DaErik opted to perform a brief test about some options that the electric car maker could release for the vehicle. Based on the Tesla owner’s test, it appears that Tesla would need to work very hard to design third row seats that are sized just right and comfortable enough for Model Y passengers.

DaErik currently owns a Model Y and Model S, but in the past, he also owned a Model X. While he does not have the SUV any longer, he does have two rows of seats from the vehicle, both of which sits in his house as couches. DaErik then decided to see if he could use the Model X seats in the Model Y to get an idea of how the crossover’s third row will be like.

DaErik recognized that the Model X’s seats were likely bulkier than what the Model Y will offer for its third row. The seats for the Model Y may even be rear-facing based on predictions from auto teardown expert Sandy Munro, who previously stated that all of the mounting points for the back row suggest that the crossover may also be designed for rear-facing third-row seats.


After installing the backrests of the Model X seats in the trunk of the Model Y, DaErik installed the under-bottom portion of the seats as well. This proved to be too full for the narrower body and interior of the Model Y, so he removed them and stuck with the backrests only. While it wasn’t a complete seat installation, the placement of the Model Y seats still provided a somewhat realistic depiction of what the Model Y’s third row seating would be like.

The Model X seats were not a glove-like fit in the Model Y. DaErik estimates that Tesla’s final Model Y third row seats will likely sit closer to the rear hatch than the Model X seats did, similar to the third row seats in the Model Y prototype from last year. However, he did say that the Model Y’s third row area is a cozy and relatively comfortable space, especially for smaller passengers like children.

Model X third-row seats installed into the Model Y’s trunk. (Credit: YouTube | DaErik)

DaErik then attempted to use a Model 3 seat in the trunk of the Model Y but installed it facing forward. The Model Y unveiling in March 2019 featured a seven-seated crossover with forward-facing third row seats. Based on the Tesla enthusiast’s test, it seems that front-facing seats will end up eliminating a significant amount of legroom for the passengers in the third row.

DaErik’s recent test has shed some insight on what strategies Tesla will likely take to make the Model Y comfortable enough to seat seven people. To accomplish this, Tesla may very well have to create a new seat design from scratch, as seats from the Model X are too broad, and chairs from the Model 3 are not optimized for the limited space in the third row. Fortunately for Tesla, the company actually has a dedicated seat factory in Fremont, which should be able to design and produce the Model Y’s third row seats without any issues.

Advertisement

Tesla is expected to release the seven-seat option for the Model Y in 2021.

Watch DaErik’s video of the possible Model Y third-row seat design below.

Joey has been a journalist covering electric mobility at TESLARATI since August 2019. In his spare time, Joey is playing golf, watching MMA, or cheering on any of his favorite sports teams, including the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, Miami Heat, Washington Capitals, and Penn State Nittany Lions. You can get in touch with joey at joey@teslarati.com. He is also on X @KlenderJoey. If you're looking for great Tesla accessories, check out shop.teslarati.com

Advertisement
Comments

Lifestyle

Tesla Cybertruck takes a bump from epic failing Dodge Charger

The Cybertruck seemed unharmed by the charging Charger.

Published

on

Credit: Hammer_of_something/Reddit

There comes a time in a driver’s life when one is faced with one’s limitations. For the driver of a Dodge Charger, this time came when he lost control and crashed into a Tesla Cybertruck–an absolute epic fail. 

A video of the rather unfortunate incident was shared on the r/TeslaLounge subreddit.

Charging Charger Fails

As could be seen in the video, which was posted on the subreddit by Model Y owner u/Hammer_of_something, a group of teens in a Dodge Charger decided to do some burnouts at a Tesla Supercharger. Unfortunately, the driver of the Charger failed in his burnout or donut attempt, resulting in the mopar sedan going over a curb and bumping a charging Cybertruck.

Ironically, the Dodge Charger seemed to have been parked at a Supercharger stall before its driver decided to perform the failed stunt. This suggests that the vehicle was likely ICE-ing a charging stall before it had its epic fail moment. Amusingly enough, the subreddit member noted that the Cybertruck did not seem like it took any damage at all despite its bump. The Charger, however, seemed like it ran into some trouble after crashing into the truck.

Alleged Aftermath

As per the the r/TeslaLounge subreddit member, the Cybertruck owner came rushing out to his vehicle after the Dodge Charger crashed into it. The Model Y owner then sent over the full video of the incident, which clearly showed the Charger attempting a burnout, failing, and bumping into the Cybertruck. The Cybertruck owner likely appreciated the video, in part because it showed the driver of the Dodge Charger absolutely freaking out after the incident.

Advertisement

The Cybertruck is not an impregnable vehicle, but it can take bumps pretty well thanks to its thick stainless steel body. Based on this video, it appears that the Cybertruck can even take bumps from a charging Charger, all while chilling and charging at a Supercharger. As for the teens in the Dodge, they likely had to provide a long explanation to authorities after the incident, since the cops were called to the location.

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Anti-Elon Musk group crushes Tesla Model 3 with Sherman tank–with unexpected results

Ironically enough, the group’s video ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.

Published

on

Credit: Led By Donkeys/X

Anti-Elon Musk protesters and critics tend to show their disdain for the CEO in various ways, but a recent video from political action group Led By Donkeys definitely takes the cake when it comes to creativity.

Ironially enough, the group’s video also ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.

Tank vs. Tesla

In its video, Led By Donkeys featured Ken Turner, a 98-year-old veteran who served in the British army during World War II. The veteran stated that Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is “using his immense power to support the far-right in Europe, and his money comes from Tesla cars.” 

He also noted that he had a message for the Tesla CEO: “We’ve crushed fascism before and we’ll crush it again.” To emphasize his point, the veteran proceeded to drive a Sherman tank over a blue Tesla Model 3 sedan, which, of course, had a plate that read “Fascism.” 

The heavy tank crushed the Model 3’s glass roof and windows, much to the delight of Led By Donkeys’ commenters on its official YouTube channel. But at the end of it all, the aftermath of the anti-Elon Musk demonstration ended up showcasing something positive for the electric vehicle maker.

Advertisement

Tesla Model 3 Tanks the Tank?

As could be seen from the wreckage of the Tesla Model 3 after its Sherman encounter, only the glass roof and windows of the all-electric sedan were crushed. Looking at the wreckage of the Model 3, it seemed like its doors could still be opened, and everything on its lower section looked intact.

Considering that a standard M4 Sherman weighs about 66,800 to 84,000 pounds, the Model 3 actually weathered the tank’s assault really well. Granted, the vehicle’s suspension height before the political action group’s demonstration suggests that the Model 3’s high voltage battery had been removed beforehand. But even if it hadn’t been taken off, it seemed like the vehicle’s battery would have survived the heavy ordeal without much incident.

This was highlighted in comments from users on social media platform X, many of whom noted that a person in the Model 3 could very well have survived the ordeal with the Sherman. And that, ultimately, just speaks to the safety of Tesla’s vehicles. There is a reason why Teslas consistently rank among the safest cars on the road, after all.

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Tesla Model 3 driver is using FSD to travel to Mt. Everest Base Camp

The ambitious, nearly 4,000-kilometer (2,485-mile) Tesla FSD journey is being livestreamed on Chinese social media.

Published

on

Credit: Douyin 老高懂电车

Count on Tesla drivers in China to push Full Self Driving (FSD) as far as it could go. As could be seen in videos posted on Chinese social media, a brave Model 3 owner is currently going on an epic journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest on FSD.

Recent posts from the Model 3 driver suggest that the ambitious destination may be within reach.

Epic FSD Journey

As noted by Tesla owner-enthusiast Aaron Li, the journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest spans almost 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles). The journey itself is epic, with stunning vistas and roads that require some drivers to bring oxygen canisters with them. The fact that it is being done using FSD makes it extra impressive. 

Based on the videos that have been recently shared, the Model 3 running FSD seems to be nearing the Everest Base Camp. There seems to be a good chance that the Tesla Model 3 may reach its destination this Friday.

Previous Everest Trips

This is not the first time that a Tesla has driven to Mt. Everest’s base camp.  That would be a Model 3 that was driven in September 2020. That vehicle, which went on a long 5,500 km (3,400-mile) journey, was manually driven to its destination. 

Advertisement

In April 2021, Tesla China announced that it has completed the buildout of 11 Supercharger stations in the picturesque route from Chengdu to Tingri. This route would allow drivers to reach the base camp of Mt. Everest. Sure enough, in July 2022, Tesla China shared a video of two Teslas—a Model X and Model Y—reaching the Everest base camp without any issues. Numerous other Tesla drivers have since taken on the long, picturesque journey.

Check out this Tesla Model Y’s journey to the Mt. Everest base camp in the video below.

Continue Reading

Trending