Tesla Model Y Standard: Lean, Mean, and 'Insanely Efficient' at 70 MPH!

TL;DR: The most affordable Tesla Model Y, the Standard trim, is proving to be an efficiency champion! In a 70 mph range test, it delivered an impressive 268 miles and matched the energy efficiency of the traditionally class-leading Tesla Model 3 Premium.

Meta: Tesla Model Y Standard proves its mettle, delivering impressive efficiency in a 70 mph range test.

Alright, folks, sometimes you gotta cut a few corners to hit that sweet price point, right? That's what Tesla did with their cheapest Model Y, the Standard trim. They skipped the FM radio, threw a headliner over the glass roof – you know, the usual penny-pinching to get that sticker price down to a cool $41,630. But guess what? All that leanness has an upside, a beautiful, efficient upside!

Turns out, this 'budget' Model Y is an absolute sipper when it comes to juice. In a recent 70 mph range test, this thing didn't just perform; it shined. It managed a commendable 268 miles of range at highway speeds, even though EVs typically don't hit their EPA estimates at constant high speeds. And the kicker? It matched the energy efficiency of the Tesla Model 3 Premium, which has been the benchmark for efficiency for a minute now. That's right, the cheapest Model Y is as efficient as its pricier, traditionally more aerodynamic sibling. Talk about a glow-up!

Why Efficiency is the Real MVP

Now, you might be thinkin', "268 miles at 70 mph? The EPA says 321!" And you'd be right! But the EPA figure includes a mix of city and highway driving, and we all know EVs love lower speeds. The slower you go, the further you flow, baby! But the real story here is the efficiency. This Model Y Standard used just 69.2 kWh of energy in that test, averaging 4.13 miles/kWh. That's a fantastic number!

Why does that matter? Because it means less money out of your pocket when you hit that Supercharger. Lower energy consumption means lower recharging costs, which is music to the ears of taxi drivers, ride-hailing pros, or just anyone who likes to save a buck. While our man Kevin Williams noted it might not be the greatest car overall due to some feature cuts, its insane efficiency makes it a compelling option for those who prioritize low running costs.

What’s Next

This impressive efficiency from the Tesla Model Y Standard solidifies Tesla's reputation for optimizing power consumption, even in its entry-level models. As the EV market becomes more competitive and consumers increasingly focus on running costs, this efficiency will be a major selling point. Expect other automakers to take note and strive for similar levels of energy optimization in their affordable EV offerings, pushing the entire industry forward in the quest for cleaner, cheaper transportation.

So, if you're lookin' for an EV that sips power like a fine wine, this Model Y Standard just might be your jam. It's lean, it's mean, and it's makin' that dollar stretch. You feel me?