The Tesla Model Y is sold in India in three variants: RWD (rear-wheel drive), which uses a 63kWh LFP battery pack, the Long Range RWD with an 84.2kWh NMC battery, and also the newly launched long wheelbase AWD variant with an 88.2kWh battery. We’ve subjected the Long Range RWD to our instrumented, real-world range tests, and the result is as follows.
Do note that this is a pre-updated model with a claimed ARAI-range of 622km; Tesla updated the Model Y RWD in India last October with greater claimed range of 661km, courtesy of the larger 84.2kWh battery, up from the original 78.1kWh battery.
- Tesla Model Y gets two drive modes – Chill and Standard
- Gets two levels of regenerative braking – Reduced and Standard
- Model Y Long Range RWD has a kerb weight of 1,901kg
Tesla Model Y Long Range real world range
Model Y Long Range RWD has a 78kWh NMC battery with a claimed range of 622km (WLTP)
The tested Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD is powered by a rear-mounted motor that puts out around 300hp and 410Nm, and it has a claimed range of 622km on the WLTP cycle.
In our real-world range test, we drove the Model Y in its most efficient ‘Chill’ drive mode, with air con set to 22deg C in full-auto mode and regenerative braking set to ‘Standard’ (most aggressive) in the city and ‘Reduced’ on the highway. We achieved a real-world range of 425km in the city (5.06km/kWh) and 500km on the highway (5.95km/kWh), which is good by segment standards. However, this translates to an overall efficiency of about 5.5km/kWh (463km combined range), which should have been higher for a state-of-the-art EV with a kerb weight under 2 tonnes.
Our tests were done when ambient temperatures were high (over 30deg C), so the AC was working hard to keep the cabin cool, and the ‘Standard’ regen braking didn’t allow for coasting, which led to being constantly on and off the throttle in the city. While Standard mode is strong and enables one-pedal driving, Reduced regen is barely felt, and there should have been a mode in between the two.
Autocar India’s range testing
Before our real-world range tests, the battery of our test car was fully charged, and we maintained tyre pressures in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The car was driven on a weekday in Mumbai city and on the adjoining state highway in a fixed loop, and we maintained the set average speeds. At the end of each cycle, we calculated the range based on the percentage charge consumed.
Throughout our tests, the climate control was set to 22deg C in a full-auto setting, and other electricals, such as the audio system, indicators and ventilated front seats, were used when required, just as a regular user would. We take pride in our testing data, which isn’t merely consistent but also gives users an accurate indication of what they can expect in the real world.
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
