While electric cars have been enjoying a steady incline in demand in recent years, the midsize SUV has essentially reached the top of the sales charts. New car owners have high demands, and a crossover in this segment appears to be the best choice. The midsize segment is the sweet spot because it accommodates larger families, benefits from a taller ride height, improves both versatility and comfort, and features slightly better safety standards. Coupling this with an efficient electric powertrain only enhances its appeal by increasing interior space, improving performance, and lowering carbon emissions.
Therefore, one of the most important questions that the market is asking is what is the most efficient midsize electric SUV. This would be based on a car's EPA-estimated MGPe figure rather than range, because the former is partially based on how big an EV's battery is in relation to the efficiency of its motors. The answer to this as of today would be the base Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive derivative, with its 129 MPGe efficiency figure.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and Consumer Reports.
Discussion
Will There Be An Electric SUV Anytime Soon That Can Take Down The Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y has consistently been a top-seller since it was launched in 2020 and there's no stopping it. Is there any other automaker that can come up with a true-blue rival to the Model Y and steal customers from Tesla?
The Tesla Model Y Is The Most Efficient Midsize EV SUV
As noted, the base Tesla Model Y is the most frugal midsize SUV you can buy today, with a 129 MPGe combined consumption and 320-mile range claim from its 62 kWh battery pack. Upgrading to the all-wheel drive Model Y Long Range results in a slightly worse 123 MPGe combined consumption figure, but its larger battery increases its range estimate to 330 miles. Naturally, the flagship Performance model trades efficiency for performance, with its 111 MPGe and 303-mile range estimates, but these are still very impressive returns for a car that can run a 0-60 MPH sprint in 3.5 seconds.
Performance Specifications
| Model Y | Model Y Long Range | Model Y Performance | |
| Powertrain | Single Permanent-Magnet Motor | Front AC Induction And Rear Permanent-Magnet Motors | Front AC Induction And Rear Permanent-Magnet Motors |
| Horsepower | 295 HP | 384 HP | 456 HP |
| Torque | 310 LB-FT | 376 LB-FT | 497 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic | Single-Speed Automatic | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Battery | 62 kWh Net | 82 kWh Net | 82 kWh Net |
| Range | 320Miles | 330 Miles | 303 Miles |
| Fuel Economy | 129 MPGe | 123-122 MPGe | 111 MPGe |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.6 Seconds | 4.8 Seconds | 3.5 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 135 MPH | 135 MPH | 155 MPH |
Tesla currently offers three state-of-tune options for the Model Y range. The base model features a single permanent-magnet motor located on the rear axle. This produces 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet, resulting in a claimed 6.6-second 0-60 MPH time and 135 MPH top speed. After this, you get the mid-tier option is the all-wheel drive Long Range trim.
Tesla fits this with a pair of motors that generate 384 horsepower and 376 pound-feet to all four wheels. Tesla claims this model sprints from 0-60 MPH in 4.8 seconds and limits its top speed to 135 MPH. The flagship Performance features a more powerful dual-motor configuration, producing 456 horsepower and 497 pound-feet of torque. This gets you from 0-60 MPH in a mere claimed 3.5 seconds before hitting a limited 155 MPH top speed.
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How Long It Takes To Charge A Tesla Model Y
The base rear-wheel-drive features Tesla's smaller 57.5 kWh pack. You can expect this to take around 91 hours to charge if you plug it into a conventional 120-volt Level One household plug. A 240-volt Level Two fast charger reduces this time to around 10 hours. Tesla's Supercharging network recovers 10 to 80 percent of the battery in 25 minutes.
Tesla Model Y Range And Charging Times
| Battery Capacity | 57.5 kWh | 79 kWh |
| Range | 279 miles | 303-330 miles |
| Level 1 AC 110V Charging time (0-100%) | 91 Hours | 120 Hours |
| Level 2 AC 220V Charging time (0-100%) | 10.4 Hours | 11.5 Hours |
| Level 3 DC 440V Charging time (10-80%) | 25 Minutes | 27 Minutes |
The Long Range's 79 kWh battery option takes 120 hours to charge when using a Level One system, 11.5 hours via a Level Two plug, and 27 minutes when fast charging. Tesla developed both battery packs in conjunction with Panasonic, who is a longstanding partner since the American EV maker's early production days.
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How Much It Costs To Charge A Tesla Model Y
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that the average price of electricity in the U.S., across all states, currently sits at around 17 cents per kWh. St. Louis and Seattle are two cities where you'll find yourself paying around 13 cents per kWh. San Diego and San Francisco are significantly more expensive regions, where electricity can cost as much as 42 cents per kWh.
Based on these rates, we can calculate that the base battery will cost you $7.50 to fully recharge in cheaper states and $24.15 in the more expensive locations. The national average cost to fully charge the base battery will be close to $9.78. You can reduce these times by recharging during off-peak energy hours, which are typically between 11 PM and 6 AM.
Tesla Model Y Charging Costs
| Standard 57.5 kWh Battery | Long Range 79 kWh Battery | |
| Low Rate States | $7.50 | $10.27 |
| High Rate States | $24.15 | $33.18 |
| DC Fast Charging | $27-58 | $41-82 |
The larger 79 kWh battery will set you back by $13.43 every time you recharge it, based on the national average rate. You'll likely only have to pay $10.27 to recharge it in the less expensive regions, while higher-rate cities will require you to fork out as much as $33.18 to fully recharge.
Tesla's Supercharging costs range between 50 cents and $1 per kWh across all stations. This depends on how congested the stations are, so at most, you'll pay $58 to charge the base battery and $79 to charge the larger pack. Half these prices if you aim to recharge your Tesla Model Y during off-peak times.
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How You Can Charge Your Tesla Model Y
You have to pay $250 for Tesla's mobile connector if you want to charge your Model Y. This cable accommodates Level One and Level Two facilities, but we do recommend considering the brand's Wall Connector for $450. You also get access to Tesla's Supercharger network, with Supercharging ports located across the country at essential and frequently traveled locations. The Tesla Supercharging network is a noteworthy drawing card for attracting new and returning customers.
You can identify these locations via the Model Y's onboard navigation system or the brand's official smartphone app. These chargers operate at 250 kW, but Tesla has said that it is working on increasing outputs to 300 kW, affording users even faster charging times in between stops.
Tesla's Supercharging network is open to other manufacturers who are somewhat late to the EV game and don't yet have a comprehensive national charging network. Coupling this with the brand's immense market success means that some of the more popular charging locations often struggle with user congestion. This leads to frustratingly long waiting times and more expensive charging costs.
Tesla's Substantial Battery Warranty
If you are looking at buying a Tesla Model Y for long-term ownership, there are some costs you need to be aware of when you inevitably have to replace the battery pack. Electric car batteries generally have a lifespan of between eight and 10 years.
Elon Musk says the brand's batteries can last up to 500,000 miles, but current Model S and Model X users have suggested that 200,000 miles is a more realistic figure, based on personal experiences. Tesla covers all battery defects with its generous and comprehensive eight-year or 120,000-mile battery warranty, and will even replace the battery if it loses 70 percent of its charge within this time.
If you need to replace the battery outside this warranty, you can expect to spend anywhere between $12,000 and $20,000 to have it replaced. This depends on the battery's capacity and how severe the degradation is, as the brand will replace select faulty modules rather than the entire battery pack. Tesla battery packs can be replaced at independent workshops at a cheaper rate, but it is recommended to go to the manufacturer if you want the best results and the brand's stamp of approval in your service book.
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Dive into our comprehensive guide on the Tesla Model Y to make an informed decision on whether this is the EV crossover for you.
How The Tesla Model Y Dominates The Global Sales Market
It's common knowledge that electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, with the Tesla Model Y sitting at the very top of the throne alongside its Model 3 sedan counterpart. This American electric SUV consistently attracts new customers for its class-leading and exceptional performance, range, technological features, impressive safety functions, and clean and tasteful design.
The Model Y is long overdue for a substantial update, which we already know to be Project Juniper. Considering the Highland has been available for quite some time now, it was expected that the Model Y refresh would be around the corner. Unfortunately, a tweet from Elon Musk declares that it won't be coming anytime this year, but we can expect a comprehensive update sometime in 2025.
