Tesla Model Y - Range, charging and running costs

Tesla doesn’t quote official battery sizes for its cars but the pack in the Model Y is big enough to deliver some of the longest ranges on offer in the electric SUV market. The best performer is the Long Range RWD, which has a claimed range of 373 miles, while adding four-wheel drive reduces this to 331 miles. The Performance model has a maximum range of 319 miles.

In our time aboard the latest Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, we averaged 3.7 miles per kilowatt hour. This figure was achieved in cool conditions and with no concessions to EV driving, so in warmer months and with a lighter foot, it could certainly be improved upon. In other words, Tesla’s claim of 4.0mi/kWh should be achievable. Cold-weather efficiency shouldn’t take too drastic a hit, however, because a heat pump is fitted as standard.

Electric range, battery life and charge time

Based on an efficiency figure of 3.7 miles per kWh, the Model Y would be capable of 340 miles on a single charge – farther than most people would drive before stopping. When the time comes to recharge, all models, including the latest Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, are now capable of replenishing their battery at up to 250kW, which means a 0-80 per cent top-up should take around 25 minutes.

Sign up for the Tesla Supercharger network, and you can reap the benefits of the UK’s best EV charging network. Fast chargers and smart charging tech that’s designed to optimise battery condition will help the Model Y’s battery life, and also means that you won’t be sitting around waiting for the car to be topped up for any longer than necessary.

Even better is that the system automatically debits your account, so you don’t have to faff around with card readers or anything else when you’re on the road - simply plug in and charge, and you’ll get a monthly statement showing how much you’ve used

Tax

Being a full EV means the Model Y is currently not subject to any VED charges. Likewise, its Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) banding places it in the lowest two per cent bracket for the 2024/25 tax year, so running costs are minimal here, too.

Insurance groups

The one exception to the Tesla’s low running costs comes in its insurance. Even the base model gets a lofty group 45 rating, so it’ll be very important to shop around to find the most competitive figures.

Depreciation

If you plan to hold on to your Model Y for some time – or even make the most of competitive finance deals – then above-average residuals certainly help its cause. That desirability is reflected in the fact that after three years or 36,000 miles, it is predicted to maintain between 49 and 55 per cent of its original value (the stronger number applies to this Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive model). That compares strongly with other premium EVs such as the Audi Q4 e-tron – expected to retain just 38-43 per cent of its asking price over the same period – while the Renault Scenic line-up maintains a respectable 52-54 per cent.

To get an accurate valuation for a specific model, check out our valuation tool...