- The cheapest Tesla Model Y in the U.S. cuts a few things short, but it all adds up to amazing efficiency.
- Starting at $41,630, it has an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles.
- This number takes into account highway and city speeds, so let’s see how the Model Y Standard handles the popular 70 mph range test, which typically yields a lower result.
the Tesla Model Y Standard It is the cheapest version of the most popular electric car in the United States. Starting at $41,630 (including destination and demand charges), the crossover is in base spec It cuts some corners To get to this price point, including leaving the FM radio on and covering the glass roof with a headliner.
However, all this reduction has a silver lining: amazing energy efficiency. In a recent 70 mph range test, Out of spec testing Discover that the Tesla Model Y Standard is just as energy efficient as Tesla Model 3 Premium, which has traditionally been the leader in its class. This is great news for taxi drivers or taxi drivers who need to keep a close eye on their shipping costs.
Using a fully charged battery, the driver set the climate system to 70 degrees and turned off the passenger air vents to reduce energy consumption. The cruise control was then set to 70 mph, and the car was driven until it could no longer maintain that speed.
The entry-level Tesla Model Y is rated for a range of 321 miles, but that number includes a mix of 45% city driving and 55% highway driving. But EVs are most efficient at lower speeds, so most EVs don’t match their EPA numbers in pure 70 mph range tests. The Model Y still manages a commendable range of 268 miles at 70 mph, and travels another 18 miles under highway speeds.
To put things into perspective, the exact same car has been used before Edmunds To test its scope, and 337 miles traveledexceeding EPA estimates. but, Edmunds Test range that has a higher percentage of city driving. The company’s route is 60% within the city and 40% on highways. If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years of covering the world of electric cars, it’s that deceleration is very important for extending driving range.
But let’s talk about efficiency. The Model Y Standard used 69.2 kWh of power during the 70 mph range test, for an average of 241.9 watt-hours/mile or 4.13 mph/kWh. This is a large number, and means that owners will pay less to recharge because the car is only consuming energy. This does not mean It’s a great car overallDespite this, as our man Kevin Williams recently discovered.
