Safety ratings (from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency)
Economy
Electrical energy consumed from the battery over a given distance.
Economy
{model}
{wh}
kWh/100 km
Economy
{model}
{km}
km/kWh
Energy consumption is displayed on the dashboard and is re-calculated as you drive. It is different to the WLTP-rated consumption (which measures power from the mains).
This number is estimated by comparing the usable battery capacity against the WLTP range.
How far you can drive on one full charge, adjusted for local conditions.
Type of driving — slide between mostly urban and mostly highway (≈ 100 km/h).
Temperature — pick the outside temperature (‑5 °C – 35 °C).
Energy consumption
How much electricity the car uses while it’s moving.
Use the 🔄 icon to flip between:
km / kWh — kilometres driven per kilowatt‑hour
kWh / 100 km — kilowatt‑hours used per 100 kilometres
Consumption ⚡️
How much electrical energy does the vehicle use while driving?
Higher speeds increase energy consumption (due to aerodynamic drag and reduced opportunity for electricity regeneration). Cold temperatures also increase consumption.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) ⚡️
V2L allows electricity to flow from the battery to power appliances.
Some vehicles have interior NZ sockets, while others require an adapter be plugged into the Type 2 exterior charging socket.
Tow Capacity
Unbraked (kg) / Braked (kg)
Most EVs can have towbars fitted for carrying bikes (but not for towing loads).
Towing a load will significantly decrease range (typically by 50%).
The maximum charging rate the EV can support at home or public AC charging.
An EV has a built-in charger that converts household AC electricity into DC current that goes into the battery.
This limits the maximum speed you can charge at home - no matter what extra equipment you install. Single-phase power supports up to 7.4 kW - if the EV can take more than this, three-phase power must be available at the property.
Fast Charge ⚡
The maximum charging rate the EV can support at a DC fast charger.
Charging power also is limited by the capacity of the charging station.
In NZ, fast chargers are typically 25 kW, 50 kW, 100 kW, 175 kW, and 300 kW.
Cold temperatures and the vehicle's charging curve also dictate peak speed (i.e. a warm battery at a lower state-of-charge will charge quicker).
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric SUV that combines performance, safety, and technology. It has ample interior room along with substantial boot space.
Model Y was refreshed in 2025 (”Juniper”). The exterior has front and rear lightbars, with small improvements to aerodynamics (0.22 Cd) and retuned suspension. The interior adds ventilated seats, ambient lighting, power recline for rear seats, acoustic glass,
A limited edition Launch series has badging on the rear liftgate, puddle light, doorsill plate and more— the AWD has Acceleration Boost.
Current models
Tesla Model Y
2025-present
The standard range RWD Model Y has a small lift in range over its predecessor (now 466 km) and a performance increase (from 6.9 s to 5.9 s for 0-100 km/h).
The updated Model Y Long Range AWD has a small increase in range (from 533 to 551 km) and an increase in performance (0-100 km/h: from 5 s to 4.8 s). Note that the initial Launch Edition was slightly quicker (4.3 s). Note that battery size and combined power are not published by Tesla and are estimates.
Introduced into NZ in 2022, the Model Y is like the Model 3, but longer and taller. Even with the front trunk and roomier boot space, it offers similar efficiency and performance as the Model 3
Review: Tesla Model Y Performance FINALLY in New Zealand!
"If you get the chance to drive one of these cars don't put it off. Just be warned though, you will end up wanting one."
See on YouTube →
Ecotricity
Tesla Model Y review + Camping Mode in New Zealand!
"It's got it going on. It's got range, it's got performance, it's got charging speed, and the charging network. As well it's got efficiency, quality of ride, rigidity, safety all at that price point."
See on YouTube →
Sales and ranking
All Time
1
Last 12 months
1
The Tesla Model Y is the best selling new fully electric vehicle (of all time) - in New Zealand.
Over the past 12 months, the Tesla Model Y was the best selling new EV.
Ecotricity
