Tesla Model Y
2022 onwards
My initial drive of the Model Y was following an invite to attend an event at their Winchester site. They actually had me scheduled to drive the Model X again, but upon arrival happily switched it to the Model Y.
The staff had set us a route for the drive, in the car's Sat Nav, but we did deviate from it on the return leg.
The Model Y is very closely relate to the Model 3, which I had already driven a few times and written about here.
The obvious difference between the Model Y and the Model 3 is that the Y’s SUV body style delivers more interior and boot space than in the Model 3. This is bond to be appealing to EV buyers who want extra space, especially given that the Model X has not been available as a new purchase in the UK for a couple of years.
It is't the most attractive car, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I'm sure some buyers will have a differing opinion.
On the Road
The Model Y has the performance I’ve come to expect from Tesla. It is startlingly rapid, when you want it to be, either from a standing start or when accelerating to overtake slower moving traffic. The car’s taller body should mean that it’s not quite as composed as the Model 3 in corners. However, I have to say that the limited time I had behind the wheel did not really allow an opportunity to test this properly. The car’s ride could be a little better, feeling on the firm side when compared with cars like the SUVs I've driven. from Mercedes.
Range and Charging
Tesla models tend to have pretty good ranges and, whilst the Y does appear to have less range than the 3, it's still good. Tesla claim 283 miles on the single motor rear wheel drive version, 331 miles for the Long Range, twin motor all wheel drive and 319 miles for the Performance model.
The EV Database quotes between 152 and 311 miles for the RWD version, 196 and 395 miles for the Long Range AWD and 186 and 376 miles for the Performance model.
When you get to a public Rapid charger, the RWD model will charge at a maximum rate of 170kW, whilst the two all wheel drive cars will charge at a maximum 250kW. The obvious benefit of driving a Tesla is the existence of the extensive Supercharger network. Whilst some of these chargers have been opened for use by non-Teslas, they aren't compatible with all other models. Moreover, the plug and go interaction between the Tesla Superchargers and Tesla cars makes them an easier experience.
Interior
The Model Y shares 75% of its parts with the Model 3 and inside, it’s pretty much the same minimalist design layout as in the 3. There is the same large central touchscreen display providing all of your required information in one place, along with the long smooth 'mantelpiece' covering the entire width of the car.
If you are going to climb into a Model Y having not driven a Tesla before, the way it does things can seem strange. As you approach the car (with the keys in your pocket) it will unlock itself and the car will automatically turn. So, once inside, everything is ready for you to select drive and pull away. Before you do, adjusting the steering column and mirrors is done via a sub-menu on the large 15.4-inch touchscreen.
There’s plenty of space inside thanks to the fact that this is a proper EV, built from the ground up as such, rather than being based upon an old internal combustion engined vehicle. It is always striking just how much space can be created in such EVs, but it seems even more so in a Tesla and especially so when you have an SUV body.
The cabin layout can only really be described as minimalist. The only physical controls for the driver are:
- the steering wheel (with two rotary switches);
- the column stalks (one for the wipers / indicators and the other for selecting forward, reverse or park);
- the seat adjustment; and
- the button to open the door (there is also a manual door handle, but this should only be used if the car has no power).
There Y, as with the 3, doesn't have an instrument binnacle or head-up display. Instead, all the information you need is provided on the massive touchscreen, including your speed.
The above image is a screenshot of a video on YouTube, so isn't great quality, but it shows the sort of information the screen also gives you, alongside your speed. The multiple cameras on the Tesla provide visualisations of your surroundings. This includes, as you can see in the image, traffic cones, other traffic, and traffic lights.
If you come to a stop at traffic lights, the screen will show whether they are red or green, which is handy if you are close and your view of the lights are hampered. However, the car will also monitor the lights and, if you don't move off when the lights change to green, will alert you to the fact with a subtle chime. It's very clever.
Storage space in the car is great and this extends to both the frunk and the trunk (or boot, as we say in the UK). The frunk, which is the storage space under the bonnet, is more than enough space for the charging cables. In the boot, which is already a very good size, there is an extra space under the boot floor. It really is a very versatile set up.
Verdict
The Model Y is a great electric car, but it definitely divides opinion.
Tesla attracts fans in a similar way to Apple and they can often be, unfairly I think, labelled as 'fanboys'. Both Tesla and Apple also have massive detractors. Much of the criticism of quality of the Tesla appears to come from people who have never driven them, let alone owned one.
In my opinion, whilst I may have reservations about Tesla's owner, I really like the cars they make. And the Model Y is probably the best overall package in the Tesla range, certainly from a value for money perspective.
Would I like an instrument binnacle? Yes I would, or a heads up display; either would do.
I'd also like to see further options, including ventilated seats.
However, with the recent price cuts on the Tesla Model 3 and Y, I'm seriously tempted.
The ranges stated in the above table are approximations based upon the combined cycles (city and main roads) in the cold and in warmer weather. These are not guarantees and they are not based upon the experience from my test drive.
You can find lots of information about electric vehicles, past and current, at http://www.ev-database.org
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