Tesla Model Y
Rear-Wheel Drive electric RWD automatic
Sustainability Rating: 5 stars
Our verdict:
Tested here is the Tesla Model Y in its rear-wheel-drive version. The sustainability assessment is impressive and belies the fact that this is a 1.9 tonne SUV with a 60 kWh battery. The life-cycle calculations do not rely on the usual generic assumptions about the vehicle's production because Tesla supplied manufacturing data, which was reviewed by Green NCAP experts. The actions taken by Tesla to reduce the climate impact of vehicle and battery manufacturing are effective and help the car collect all 10 points in the Greenhouse Gas Index.
- Scores well for brake and tyre abrasion due to smooth accelerator pedal tuning and extensive regenerative braking. Keeps production- and electricity-related emissions low.
- Delivers low electricity consumption across most tests thanks to a highly efficient powertrain. Heating in cold weather increases the electricity demand due to a quick cabin heat-up. Records 15.2 and 12.7 kWh/100 km in the hot summer mixed on-road test and short urban trip, respectively.
- Tesla decides to submit vehicle and battery manufacturing data for verification by Green NCAP, leading to the lowest greenhouse gas emissions published by Green NCAP so far. The total life cycle GHG emissions value of 95 g CO2-eq./km is far below the lower threshold needed to score maximum points.
Driving Experience
Our comments:
The tested Model Y became one of only two cars evaluated ‘good’ in both Consumption and Range and Cold Winter Performance so far.
- The car shows good and adequate estimated real-world consumption values in different tests. With the 62.5 kWh large battery, the estimated driving ranges are all rated as adequate. The board computer consumption readings are accurate.
- Significant driving range can be gained if the Model Y is preheated before the start of a cold winter trip and users are advised to do so. The heating performance of the car in -7°C cold start conditions is generally good and the target temperature of 16°C is reached in 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the seating position. The Model Y is one of the few cars tested so far to demonstrate cabin thermal insulation assessed as 'good' – the cabin only lost 5.2°C after the car was locked and left at -7°C for 30 minutes. The Model Y's standard equipment features many additional heating functions, including remote activation of seat and steering wheel heating.
- With 88.7%, the standard home AC charging (from grid to battery output) receives an 'adequate' evaluation. Worth highlighting is the good performance at the fast charger, where charging the battery from 10 to 80% SoC takes less than 24 minutes. The average charging power is 115 kW, while the peak value is 187 kW. The battery preconditioning can be activated both manually and automatically. The car does not offer any bidirectional charging functionalities.
See datasheet for more details.