For everyone concerned about repairs-- this isn't exactly a new concept.
The BMW i3 has a carbon fiber frame that, as far as I know, they do not sell in sections (https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/crash-your-carbon-fiber-i...). This means during an accident, the damaged portion is cut out and a new section is glued in, though the repair would likely involve purchasing an entirely new frame unless the shop has one leftover from a previous repair.
With the Y, it'd be the same thing-- the shop would either have a spare, partial casting from a previous repair or need to order a new one, and it would be cut and welded into place.
The repair itself shouldn't be any more difficult than any other car, it's just purchasing the part that becomes more expensive if you have to purchase a new entire casting for damage in one area of the car. That, however, is entirely fixable through some clever supply chain fixes and may be something Tesla can support through savings on the single casting.
The BMW i3 has a carbon fiber frame that, as far as I know, they do not sell in sections (https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/crash-your-carbon-fiber-i...). This means during an accident, the damaged portion is cut out and a new section is glued in, though the repair would likely involve purchasing an entirely new frame unless the shop has one leftover from a previous repair.
With the Y, it'd be the same thing-- the shop would either have a spare, partial casting from a previous repair or need to order a new one, and it would be cut and welded into place.
The repair itself shouldn't be any more difficult than any other car, it's just purchasing the part that becomes more expensive if you have to purchase a new entire casting for damage in one area of the car. That, however, is entirely fixable through some clever supply chain fixes and may be something Tesla can support through savings on the single casting.