This week, I took the new Tesla Model Y Long Range on a proper road trip, fully charged and packed with camping gear. The goal was to see how far it could really go, how efficient it is on Irish roads, and if it can actually be used as a power bank at the campsite.
Key Takeaways
- Real-world range and efficiency: Impressive, especially on longer drives, though it varies with conditions.
- Camping mode: A standout feature, allowing the car to power devices and maintain a comfortable temperature overnight.
- Autopilot/Adaptive Cruise Control: Generally good, but has a frustrating quirk where it resets if you manually intervene.
- Comfort and Suspension: Significantly improved in the new model, offering a better ride, though still firm.
- Build Quality: Mostly good, but minor issues like a clicking steering wheel were noted.
- Value: Despite some quirks, it remains a benchmark EV, offering a lot for its price point.
A Camping Road Trip Begins
I started the trip with a full charge, showing around 530 km of range. The plan was to drive 85 km to the campsite, spend a few days exploring, and use the Model Y as a power source for six people’s devices. Even after driving 50 km, the car was predicting a remaining range of 476 km, showing just how efficient the long-range version is. The car was packed, including a tent that took up a surprising amount of space. While I wasn’t sleeping in the car, a friend had done so in his previous Model Y, finding the mattress fit well. However, he noted the lack of vehicle-to-load capability and the need for better blinds for the glass roof.
Camping Mode and Powering Devices
One of the most impressive features was the camping mode. I left the car on overnight with the air conditioning set low and a cooler box plugged in. It used about 10-11% of the battery, leaving me with 55% remaining – enough for the 85 km drive home and more. This means you could realistically leave the car in camp mode for another 24 hours. It’s also great for cooling down on hot days; people were using it to escape the heat and even watch YouTube. The cooled seats were a nice bonus, helping to dry out damp towels overnight.
Quirky Features and Practicality
While not essential, the megaphone feature in Boombox is undeniably fun. You can broadcast your voice to people outside the car. It’s a bit of a novelty, but it adds a playful element to the car. Another point of discussion was the lack of vehicle-to-load, which seems like an oversight for a car with a feature like camping mode.
Driving Experience and Efficiency
The seating position sits quite high, and I wished it could be lowered a bit more, as it felt a bit like sitting in a van. Noise around the A-pillars at 100 km/h was acceptable. The lane assist, which allows the car to change lanes by itself when the indicator is on, works well. However, there’s a significant flaw: if you manually intervene with the steering wheel while adaptive cruise control is active, the entire system turns off and needs to be reset. This can be frustrating when you need to make a quick adjustment.
In terms of efficiency, I saw figures as low as 10 kWh per 100 km on the motorway and as high as 15 kWh per 100 km. Even when cruising at 110 km/h with a warming battery, it was around 14 kWh per 100 km. This is very good for a 75 kWh battery, comparable to other EVs like the ID.4. While the claimed 533 km range is achievable under ideal conditions, real-world results will vary. Compared to rivals like the Kia EV6, Skoda Enyaq, and even the Porsche Macan, the Model Y holds its own, especially considering the price difference with the Macan.
Interior and Updates
The interior finishes are clean and seem easy to maintain. The acceleration is plentiful, as expected. The suspension has been significantly improved in this facelifted model, making for a much better ride, though it still retains a firm, sporty feel. While it’s better than before, some bumps can still be felt, and a car like the Cooper Taviscan with dynamic chassis control might offer a more comfortable ride. For city driving, the ‘chill mode’ can smooth out the acceleration, and adjustable regen braking helps reduce jerkiness.
Pricing and Charging
The Model Y is priced competitively, with the entry-level version around €47,000, the long-range rear-wheel drive at nearly €53,000, and the dual-motor long-range version around €56,000 (before performance models). Charging speeds are excellent, up to 250 kW, and the Tesla Supercharger network is a major advantage. Pre-conditioning the battery for charging is also a useful feature. Compared to other charging networks, Tesla’s pricing and experience are generally superior.
Final Thoughts
The camping mode is a standout feature, proving very useful. The Model Y continues to be a benchmark EV, with competitors like the EV6, ID.4, and Enyaq often measured against it. Despite some quirks, like the adaptive cruise control reset and a minor clicking noise in the steering wheel, the Model Y is a strong contender. The long-range version offers ample range for most drivers. Overall, it was a good experience, and the car is hard not to recommend.