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Tesla Model Y has rear cargo space that’s more Model X than Model 3
Recent images of a Tesla Model Y release candidate with its rear hatch open has provided a small teaser of the upcoming all-electric crossover’s rear cargo space. Based on the photos, it appears that the Model Y’s primary luggage area is very generous, to the point where it almost seems comparable to that of the larger Tesla Model X. This is quite impressive, especially considering that the Model Y shares 75% of its parts with the Model 3 sedan, which is far smaller than the Model X.
The new pictures were shared on the Tesla Model Y Enthusiasts Facebook page, with members Thomas Andre Davik and Josh Jones sharing a couple of new shots from a recent Model Y sighting. Fortunately, the two Tesla enthusiasts were able to capture a photo of the vehicle with its open rear hatch, showing how much cargo space is available when the second row seats are up.
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- Tesla Model Y trunk (Source: Thomas Andre Davik | Model Y Enthusiast Facebook Page)
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- Tesla Model Y extra storage under main trunk(Source: Josh Jones | Model Y Enthusiast Facebook Page)
The Tesla Model Y with rear hatch open. (Credit: Thomas Andre Davik and Josh Jones/Facebook)
Immediately noticeable from the images was the fact that the Model Y’s luggage area is quite large. Surprisingly large, in fact, even without its additional storage space underneath the trunk itself. An image of this additional storage area shows that it is quite deep as well, possibly fitting a couple of extra bags during long drives.
Reactions from the Tesla community show that the Model Y’s cargo space may end up being a key selling point for the upcoming vehicle. Tesla Model X 90D owner and r/TeslaMotors subreddit member u/kenriko noted that the Model Y’s luggage space looks comparable in utility as his vehicle’s cargo area with its third row folded. Fellow Tesla enthusiast Christopher Pichner also remarked that the Model Y’s design makes for a cargo area that looks more usable than his 2018 Subaru Forester, which lists a 76 cu ft of luggage space versus the Model Y’s 66 cu ft.
These observations, while only based on a couple of new photos of the Model Y, bodes well for the upcoming all-electric crossover, as it suggests that Tesla is pretty much optimizing the vehicle’s utility as much as possible, making it more attractive to the mainstream crossover market. The comparisons to the Model X’s cargo space are quite impressive too, considering that the Model Y shares most of its parts with Tesla’s smallest vehicle today, the Model 3.
As the Model Y nears its first deliveries, it is becoming more and more evident that the vehicle is designed to disrupt an established auto market. Apart from its competitive price, the Model Y has the performance to match, with its top-tier version being capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Model Y also has a middle row pass-through feature that will allow owners to transport long items like skis without any issues. Together with a seemingly very generous trunk space, these little details may very well prove to be among the reasons why the Model Y may eventually start eating into the market of mainstream vehicles like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV-4, much like the Model 3 and more affordable cars like the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Accord.
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Tesla FSD fleet is nearing 7 billion total miles, including 2.5 billion city miles
As can be seen on Tesla’s official FSD webpage, vehicles equipped with the system have now navigated over 6.99 billion miles.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) fleet is closing in on almost 7 billion total miles driven, as per data posted by the company on its official FSD webpage.
These figures hint at the massive scale of data fueling Tesla’s rapid FSD improvements, which have been quite notable as of late.
FSD mileage milestones
As can be seen on Tesla’s official FSD webpage, vehicles equipped with the system have now navigated over 6.99 billion miles. Tesla owner and avid FSD tester Whole Mars Catalog also shared a screenshot indicating that from the nearly 7 billion miles traveled by the FSD fleet, more than 2.5 billion miles were driven inside cities.
City miles are particularly valuable for complex urban scenarios like unprotected turns, pedestrian interactions, and traffic lights. This is also the difference-maker for FSD, as only complex solutions, such as Waymo’s self-driving taxis, operate similarly on inner-city streets. And even then, incidents such as the San Francisco blackouts have proven challenging for sensor-rich vehicles like Waymos.
Tesla’s data edge
Tesla has a number of advantages in the autonomous vehicle sector, one of which is the size of its fleet and the number of vehicles training FSD on real-world roads. Tesla’s nearly 7 billion FSD miles then allow the company to roll out updates that make its vehicles behave like they are being driven by experienced drivers, even if they are operating on their own.
So notable are Tesla’s improvements to FSD that NVIDIA Director of Robotics Jim Fan, after experiencing FSD v14, noted that the system is the first AI that passes what he described as a “Physical Turing Test.”
“Despite knowing exactly how robot learning works, I still find it magical watching the steering wheel turn by itself. First it feels surreal, next it becomes routine. Then, like the smartphone, taking it away actively hurts. This is how humanity gets rewired and glued to god-like technologies,” Fan wrote in a post on X.
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Tesla starts showing how FSD will change lives in Europe
Local officials tested the system on narrow country roads and were impressed by FSD’s smooth, human-like driving, with some calling the service a game-changer for everyday life in areas that are far from urban centers.
Tesla has launched Europe’s first public shuttle service using Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in the rural Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm region of Germany, demonstrating how the technology can restore independence and mobility for people who struggle with limited transport options.
Local officials tested the system on narrow country roads and were impressed by FSD’s smooth, human-like driving, with some calling the service a game-changer for everyday life in areas that are far from urban centers.
Officials see real impact on rural residents
Arzfeld Mayor Johannes Kuhl and District Administrator Andreas Kruppert personally tested the Tesla shuttle service. This allowed them to see just how well FSD navigated winding lanes and rural roads confidently. Kruppert said, “Autonomous driving sounds like science fiction to many, but we simply see here that it works totally well in rural regions too.” Kuhl, for his part, also noted that FSD “feels like a very experienced driver.”
The pilot complements the area’s “Citizen Bus” program, which provides on-demand rides for elderly residents who can no longer drive themselves. Tesla Europe shared a video of a demonstration of the service, highlighting how FSD gives people their freedom back, even in places where public transport is not as prevalent.
What the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Transport says
Rhineland-Palatinate’s Minister Daniela Schmitt supported the project, praising the collaboration that made this “first of its kind in Europe” possible. As per the ministry, the rural rollout for the service shows FSD’s potential beyond major cities, and it delivers tangible benefits like grocery runs, doctor visits, and social connections for isolated residents.
“Reliable and flexible mobility is especially vital in rural areas. With the launch of a shuttle service using self-driving vehicles (FSD supervised) by Tesla in the Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm, an innovative pilot project is now getting underway that complements local community bus services. It is the first project of its kind in Europe.
“The result is a real gain for rural mobility: greater accessibility, more flexibility and tangible benefits for everyday life. A strong signal for innovation, cooperation and future-oriented mobility beyond urban centers,” the ministry wrote in a LinkedIn post.
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Tesla China quietly posts Robotaxi-related job listing
Tesla China is currently seeking a Low Voltage Electrical Engineer to work on circuit board design for the company’s autonomous vehicles.
Tesla has posted a new job listing in Shanghai explicitly tied to its Robotaxi program, fueling speculation that the company is preparing to launch its dedicated autonomous ride-hailing service in China.
As noted in the listing, Tesla China is currently seeking a Low Voltage Electrical Engineer to work on circuit board design for the company’s autonomous vehicles.
Robotaxi-specific role
The listing, which was shared on social media platform X by industry watcher @tslaming, suggested that Tesla China is looking to fill the role urgently. The job listing itself specifically mentions that the person hired for the role will be working on the Low Voltage Hardware team, which would design the circuit boards that would serve as the nervous system of the Robotaxi.
Key tasks for the role, as indicated in the job listing, include collaboration with PCB layout, firmware, mechanical, program management, and validation teams, among other responsibilities. The role is based in Shanghai.
China Robotaxi launch
China represents a massive potential market for robotaxis, with its dense urban centers and supportive policies in select cities. Tesla has limited permission to roll out FSD in the country, though despite this, its vehicles have been hailed as among the best in the market when it comes to autonomous features. So far, at least, it appears that China supports Tesla’s FSD and Robotaxi rollout.
This was hinted at in November, when Tesla brought the Cybercab to the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, marking the first time that the autonomous two-seater was brought to the Asia-Pacific region. The vehicle, despite not having a release date in China, received a significant amount of interest among the event’s attendees.
Tesla FSD fleet is nearing 7 billion total miles, including 2.5 billion city miles
Tesla starts showing how FSD will change lives in Europe
