The new Tesla Model Y could be the most popular EV in the country

Tesla finally announced when its new SUV is coming Down Under, and the reaction of Australian fans has even caught Elon Musk off guard.

Aussies have gone nuts for Tesla’s new Model Y electric SUV.

The American brand started taking orders on its new Model Y SUV in Australia on Friday last week and wait times have already blown out after just a few days on sale.

It originally quoted delivery times of August to November this year for the cheapest single motor, rear-wheel drive version.

Wait times for the Tesla Model Y have blown out in Australia.

By the start of this week, buyers placing an order are being quoted a delivery range of February to May, 2023.

The range-topping dual motor, all-wheel drive Performance version has also seen its expected delivery time frame blow out to February to May next year from November, 2022 to February, 2023 quoted on Friday.

New buyers won’t be getting their cars until February next year at the earliest.

The Model Y’s popularity Down Under has even caught the eye of the brand’s chief, Elon Musk, who tweeted that Tesla was working on accelerating RHD production and that he didn’t expect demand to be so high.

We’re working on accelerating RHD Model Y production. Didn’t expect demand to be so high!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 13, 2022

Tesla’s production, like every car brand, has been affected by global supply chain issues and recent Covid-19 lockdowns affecting its Shanghai factory where the Australian delivered cars are built.

Tesla is initially launching the Model Y with two variants: a Rear-Wheel Drive version priced at about $74,000 drive-away and a dual motor Performance version priced at about $105,500 drive-away.

The Model Y is the SUV version of the Model 3.

A Long Range version with a bigger battery is expected at a later date.

The rear-wheel drive model has a claimed driving range of 455km and boasts perky performance with a 0-100km/h time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 217km/h.

The Performance version ups the ante considerably.

Elon Musk has said the brand is working on increasing production.

It can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds, which is faster than full blown performance cars such as the BMW M3, and has a top speed limited to 250km/h.

A bigger battery boosts driving range to 514km/h.

The Model Y has a similar fit-out to the Model 3.

There is a single 15-inch central screen that houses the car’s controls and displays the vehicle’s vitals such as the speedo.