• Long range as standard
• Rapid Supercharger network available
• Can also use CCS chargers

How much does it cost to run?

Owing to the its 2024 update, the Tesla Model Y now has a maximum WLTP-tested range of 373 miles. This is for the Long Range RWD model – and a big increase compared to the claimed 283-mile range it delivered previously,

The Performance version, which gets a 75kWh battery and four-wheel drive system but has more power, can only travel up to 319 miles on a full charge, while the AWD Long Range car promises 331 miles from a charge.

We were very impressed by the efficiency of the new Long Range RWD car, averaging the 4.0miles/kWh that Tesla claims on a gentle run, meaning the 370ish-mile is achievable if you drive steadily. Expect somewhere between 320-340 miles in more normal conditions.

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Only now are rivals beginning to catch up to Tesla in terms of driving range and efficiency. For example, the updated Kia EV6 manages a range-best of 361 miles, but that’s for a less powerful version, while the slightly smaller Renault Scenic can travel a claimed 379 miles from a charge.

If you need the ultimate range possible from a Tesla, then you’re going to have to take a look at the Tesla Model 3 instead. If you can make do with a bit less space, then it can travel up to 390 miles on a full charge, and a larger battery model is expected in the near future to take it over the 400-mile marker. It has a lower list price, too, so it’s up to you if you’re happy to sacrifice the extra accommodation that the Model Y provides in exchange for a longer range.

Range and charging

Unlike with a lot of electric cars, Teslas are known for getting close to their WLTP-tested ranges and range predictor is also spot on. If a Model Y predicts you have 200 miles left, you likely have close to 200 miles left. During our testing we did find the Sentry Mode – where the car’s cameras monitor suspicious activity – zapped around 5% battery over 24 hours. If you don’t have off-street charging this can really eat into your range.

One highlight of all Teslas is the company’s Supercharger network. There is an ever-expanding series of high-voltage DC chargers across the UK and Europe, with more than 1,200 chargers located at Tesla dealers, shopping centres and other destinations across the country. We could typically gain around 160 miles worth of charge in 15 minutes from a Supercharger.

Clever tech as part of the car’s sat-nav means that if we added a Supercharger as our destination, the car would pre-condition the battery before we arrived, so charging takes as short a time as possible. The chargers are very reliable, too, and often cheaper to use than other EV charging providers. From an 11kW home wallbox, charging the Model Y takes five-and-a-half hours.

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Servicing and warranty

Tesla offers a four-year warranty, which is 12 months longer than is available from similar rivals, but the distance limit is set to 50,000 miles. Most rivals with three-year warranty cover will have a 60,000-mile maximum limit.

You can expect lower service costs than for a combustion-engined car, thanks to the fewer mechanical parts that come with an electric powertrain. The infotainment screen will advise when the car needs servicing and you can schedule service centre visits using the Tesla Smartphone app.

Reliability

• Tesla doesn’t have a great reliability record
• Customer service also has some issues
• Build quality is better than earlier Teslas

Do a search of the internet and you’ll find plenty of people singing the praises of Tesla, but there are also a number of owners that have reported build quality issues that wouldn’t be seen from more established manufacturers such as Audi or Mercedes. However, it’s worth noting that Teslas are built in the USA, Germany and China, and it’s the US-manufactured cars that seem to have the most problems. Here in the UK, we get cars that are built in China, which don’t seem to be as badly affected.

During our time with the Model Y, we came away with the feeling that the company has made strides from earlier cars. It feels solid and well screwed together, the exterior panel gaps on our car were consistent, while the fit and finish of the interior trim was good, too. All of the car’s major touchpoints have a satisfyingly solid feel as well.

The 15.4-inch touchscreen is of course the focal point for the whole cabin, and this responds well – certainly as good as any home PC-based touchscreen device. Tesla also provides free over-the-air updates for its cars, adding features as and when they’re ready to go. Buyers can also upgrade their cars by paying to unlock additional features.