Tesla Model Y prototype approved for production

Tesla's upcoming all-electric crossover gets the production go-ahead from CEO Elon Musk; production target set for 2020

During a recent board meeting at Tesla to discuss the company's third quarter financial results, CEO Elon Musk revealed that he has approved the upcoming Model Y's prototype for production. The production, however, is not likely to start before 2020. 

When Tesla had unveiled its Model 3 in March 2016, the car was an early alpha prototype which meant that it went through a few revisions before entering final production. However, with the Model Y, Tesla seems to be on a different path as the early-stage prototype has already been approved for production prior to its March 2019 unveil. This could mean that next year's unveiling will reveal a more or less production-ready version of the Model Y.

While the timeline seems to be pretty clear on this one, what still remains in the dark is the Model Y's production site. While speculation suggests Tesla will make the Model Y at its Gigafactory 3 in China, sources also suggest that the production in China will only cater to the Chinese markets, leaving international markets in doubt. As of now, even for the US market, the Model Y's final production location has not been confirmed. 

Coming to the car itself, the Model Y is expected to be a crossover version of the current Model 3 with similar range and capabilities but with a full hatch and higher stance. Based on the teaser image, however, expect the new car to borrow styling elements from the Model 3 and Model X.