Review: Tesla Model Y vs. Model 3 range and efficiency test

-

-Advertisement-

Tesla Model 3 is undoubtedly a major landmark in electric vehicle history, it proved that smaller and more affordable normal-looking EVs can have a range of above 300 miles (482 km). Since the first Model 3 produced in July 2017, this car has spread across continents, the US, Canada, China, Europe, it’s everywhere.

Because no other automaker has achieved range efficiency like Tesla, it is better to compare two of the best compact Tesla cars for range and efficiency.

YouTuber Andy Slye took his 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD and a 2020 Model Y Performance on a road trip to compare the range of both these vehicles (video below).

When Andy purchased his Model 3 LR AWD in 2018, the range of the vehicle was 310 miles (499 km). Now with the latest software and hardware optimization and a slightly bigger 82 kWh battery pack, the 2021 Model 3 Long Range has an EPA estimated range of 353 miles (568 km).

Tesla Model Y Accessories by EVANNEX (Sponsored Banner).
– Sponsored –
EPA estimated ranges of 2020 and 2021 Tesla Model Y vs. 2021 Tesla Model 3.
EPA estimated ranges: 2020 Tesla Model Y LR AWD, Model Y Performance, 2021 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD, and 2021 Tesla Model Y LR AWD. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

As we can see in the above screengrab from the EPA website, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD has the best fuel economy of 134 MPGe vs. 2020 and 2021 Model Y which range from 121 to 125 MPGe.

Just last year, Model 3 LR AWD also had a fuel economy of 121 MPGe, Tesla has significantly improved the energy consumption of the newer 2021 model year cars, especially the Model 3.

The EPA comparison also shows that the Model 3 has an efficiency of 25 Wh/mile (Watt-hours per mile) vs. 2021 Model Y 27 Wh/mile. Since both the Model 3 and Model Y have the same battery pack of 82 kWh, Model 3 should be the winner of range and energy consumption efficiency in this comparison.

The following factors also affect the range of an electric vehicle:

  • Size / Weight
  • Aerodynamics (both Model 3 and Model Y have a drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd despite the size difference, engineering par excellence).
  • Passenger / cargo load
  • Incline / decline position
  • Weather
  • Speed
  • Use of AC or Heater
  • Life of battery

Let’s watch what results do Andy Slye and his friend get out of their Model 3 vs. Model Y road trip of 360 miles (~580 km) from Louisville, Kentucky to Asheville, North Carolina.

I agree with Andy, when purchasing an electric vehicle or Tesla, most people should consider the vehicle with the most range if it comes within their budget.

With the launch of the 2021 Tesla Model 3 refresh, the difference of range between the Model 3 LR AWD (353 miles) and Model 3 Performance (315 miles) is 38 miles. This difference is more than what Andy described in the video, probably the video was recorded a few months ago.

Related: Tesla Model 3 cost of ownership after 2 years and 50,000+ miles

Stay tuned for more interesting Tesla news & videos, follow us on:
Google News | Flipboard | RSS (Feedly).

Iqtidar Ali
Iqtidar Alihttp://www.teslaoracle.com
Author of more than 1500 articles on Tesla, SpaceX, and EVs. His work has been liked and tweeted by Elon Musk and other prominent influencers. You can reach him on Twitter @IqtidarAlii

Latest News

Tesla Robotaxi looks stunning on display at Giga Texas (pics, videos)

It has been around two weeks since the polarizing Tesla Robotaxi unveiling event named "We, Robot" took place at...

Tesla (TSLA) stock rally continued for the 2nd day after the Q3 2024 Earnings Call and profit report

Tesla (TSLA) stock started rallying the next morning after the company's Q3 2024 Earnings Call and financial update report...

Tesla Model Y Juniper leaked photos from Giga Shanghai still don’t reveal the vehicle

Tesla (TSLA) has begun the production of the design-refreshed 2025 Model Y Juniper electric SUV at its Gigafactory in...

Tesla HW3 cars to get free hardware upgrades for Unsupervised FSD, Elon Musk on Q3 call

During yesterday's Tesla (TSLA) Q3 2024 Earnings Call, CEO Elon Musk gave out some good news for owners who...
- Advertisement -

SpaceX moves Flight 6 Super Heavy rocket to the launch pad for testing

Elon Musk's spaceflight and exploration company SpaceX is moving fast ahead for the Starship Flight 6 launch and landing...

Elon Musk shares Starship Flight 5 Super Heavy rocket inspection results after the landing catch

SpaceX was more than ready for the 5th Starship launch and landing test as it received the license on...

SpaceX successfully catches Flight 5 Starship Super Heavy rocket booster on landing (videos)

At T+ 6 minutes and 30 seconds into the flight, Flight 5 Starship Super Heavy rocket booster re-ignited its...

Tesla Tips & Tricks

Leaked photo of the Tesla Cybertruck bed reveals 3 power outlets of 120 and 240 volts

As close as we get to the Cybertruck Delivery...

Tesla offers access to its Model S, 3, X, Y service manuals subscription free for 1 year

Tesla has allowed its customers to subscribe to the...

Tesla Quarterly Reports & Eearnings

- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended for You