The Tesla Model Y is currently available in India in three variants: the base RWD with a 63kWh LFP battery, the Long Range RWD with an 84.2kWh NMC battery, and the newly launched Long Wheelbase AWD with an 88.2kWh pack. We put the Long Range RWD through our instrumented real-world range tests to find out what kind of range you can actually expect in everyday Indian conditions.
One important note: the car tested here is the pre-update model carrying a claimed ARAI range of 622km. Tesla updated the Model Y Long Range RWD in India last October, bumping the battery from 78.1kWh to 84.2kWh and pushing the claimed range up to 661km.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 78kWh NMC |
| Motor Setup | Rear-mounted |
| Power | 299hp |
| Torque | 410Nm |
| Gearbox | Single-speed Automatic |
| Claimed Range (WLTP) | 622km |
| Kerb Weight | 1,901kg |
| Wheel Size | 19 inches |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | Rs 67.89 lakh |
Key things to know before buying:
- Two drive modes available: Chill and Standard
- Two levels of regenerative braking: Reduced and Standard
- Kerb weight stands at 1,901kg, just under the 2-tonne mark
Real-World Range Results
City and highway results fall well short of the official claim
| Test Condition | Real-World Range | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| City (Chill mode, Standard regen) | 425km | 5.06km/kWh |
| Highway (Chill mode, Reduced regen) | 500km | 5.95km/kWh |
| Combined | 463km | 5.50km/kWh |
| Official WLTP Claim | 622km | Reference |
The Model Y Long Range RWD returned 425km in city conditions and 500km on the highway, translating to a combined real-world range of 463km. That is a reasonable result by segment standards, but it represents only about 74 percent of the official 622km WLTP claim, which is something buyers should factor into their expectations.
Test Conditions and Methodology
All tests were carried out with the battery fully charged and tyre pressures set to manufacturer recommendations. The car was driven on weekdays in Mumbai city and on an adjoining state highway in a fixed loop, with set average speeds maintained throughout.
Test settings used:
- Drive mode: Chill (most efficient)
- Air conditioning: 22 degrees C, full-auto mode
- Regenerative braking: Standard in the city, Reduced on the highway
- Other electricals such as audio, indicators, and ventilated front seats used as a regular driver would
Ambient temperatures were above 30 degrees C during testing, which meant the air conditioning was working hard throughout. This had a measurable impact on overall efficiency. The Standard regen setting in the city also prevented natural coasting, resulting in more frequent throttle inputs and slightly higher energy consumption.
It is also worth noting that the two regen modes feel quite far apart in intensity. Standard enables confident one-pedal driving, while Reduced is barely noticeable. A middle ground setting would make the car significantly more usable across different driving situations.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong highway range of 500km | Combined range well below WLTP claim |
| Competitive efficiency by segment standards | AC load significantly impacts range in Indian heat |
| One-pedal driving possible in Standard regen | No intermediate regenerative braking mode |
| Clean and capable powertrain | Pre-update battery smaller than current spec |
The Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD delivers respectable real-world range, particularly on the highway where it returns 500km. However, the 463km combined figure is a noticeable step below the 622km WLTP claim, and buyers in hot climates should factor in the additional drain from air conditioning. The absence of a middle regenerative braking setting is a genuine usability gap. If you are considering this variant, note that the updated model now ships with the larger 84.2kWh battery and a higher claimed range of 661km, making it the better buy for those purchasing today.
