Altering a vehicle for a purpose it wasn’t originally designed for can be incredibly rewarding. This could be why tuning workshop Popup Motor opted to transform a Tesla Model Y into the ultimate electric off-road machine with a newly engineered lift system.
Run by Justin He, Popup Motor is known for pushing boundaries, having previously created a 1,000-hp Tesla Model 3 hybrid incorporating a Volkswagen engine and the incredibly elongated Volkswagen Lamando “5XL.” Justin’s latest venture with Popup Motor has resulted in what seems to be the most comprehensive lift package available for the Tesla Model Y today.
Prior to this, several lift packages were available for the Model Y, although they typically offered only a minor increase in ride height. For instance, Delta4x4’s system adds an extra 1.6 inches of ground clearance. Additionally, Unplugged Performance’s “Dirt and Snow Pro Coilover Suspension Lift Kit” allows for up to 2 inches of additional lift along with adjustable ride height. These are just a few examples of the many suspension lift kits on the market.
Popup Motor has gone above and beyond, introducing what appears to be the most extensive lifting solution currently available. The company claims that their suspension system provides the Tesla crossover with a lift ranging between 2.5 and 5 inches, allowing for a maximum wheel travel of 8 inches, consequently making it one of the most capable kits on the market.
What sets Popup’s kit apart from other aftermarket suspension solutions is its comprehensive nature. Popup asserts that this enhanced setup transforms the Model Y into a truly capable off-road vehicle by not only boosting ground clearance but also strengthening other components that endure additional stress during off-road maneuvers.
In addition to their coilover suspension, and upper and lower control arms, Popup also offers new spindle gussets and a tubular subframe constructed from 4130 chromoly steel.
The Model Y may not be intended for off-road excursions. Weighing in at 4,400 pounds (approximately equal to a fully loaded Ford Ranger), subjecting the vehicle to harsh off-road conditions, even with a lift kit, could potentially impact its durability. Therefore, developing a kit to address these concerns was a primary objective of this project.
“The primary cause for replacing numerous chassis elements, including the subframes, is that the Model Y/3 was not initially formulated for these intense off-road situations and consequently lacks ample durability,” stated Popup on its online platform. “Thus, a complete chassis overhaul was imperative.”
All that excessive engineering is also evident in the cost. While most other suspension kits fall within the range of $500 to $2,500, Popup is pricing its kit at a staggering $15,000 (though early adopters will enjoy a $3,000 deduction). That amounts to just over 34% of the value of a brand-new Model Y. Ouch.
The main drawback of the kit appears to be apprehensions regarding its impact on vehicle range. Elevating the vehicle will lead to increased resistance, ultimately causing decreased efficiency. The vehicle owner might also opt to exchange the stock wheels and tires for something larger, more robust, and heavier. By raising the unsprung weight, the vehicle will also encounter a reduction in its range—meaning driving a vehicle equipped with this kit on lengthy highway journeys may result in an overall range decline.
That said, Model Y owners interested in taking an electric car off-road will soon have an array of vehicle alternatives in the near future. Tesla is gearing up to introduce its highly anticipated Cybertruck, and General Motors is not far behind with the Chevy Silverado EV. Moreover, it’s important to mention that electric trucks are already on the streets today: the Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV SUT, and Rivian R1T. The bottom line is that there are numerous other choices for EV offroaders that may prove to be more appealing. Nevertheless, if there exists a lift kit for a Toyota Prius, why not for a Tesla Model Y as well?
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