Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter
The All-Electric Tesla Model Y SUV
Tesla Inc. (formerly Tesla Motors Inc.) was founded by American engineers, Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in 2003. They named the Palo Alto based company, Tesla, as a tribute to the engineer Nikola Tesla. In fact, Elon Musk (Co-Founder, Tesla) become involved with the company post the founding of Tesla Motors. He was the lead investor in the 2004 Series A investment round.
In 2008, Tesla unveiled its first zero-emission electric vehicle (EV), the all-electric Roadster. As they say, the rest is history. Tesla, Inc is a publicly listed company and has a market value higher than any other automotive manufacturer. Elon Musk is also ranked as one of the richest individuals in the world. According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, he is ranked second with a net worth of US$187 billion.
Tesla has the following battery-electric vehicle (BEV) models either in production or in development. In 2020, the EV company surpassed a production volume of 1 million plug-in electric cars.
- The all-electric Tesla Model S
- The all-electric Tesla Model 3
- The all-electric Tesla Model X
- The all-electric Tesla Model Y
- The all-electric Tesla Roadster
- The all-electric Tesla Cybertruck
The Model Y is a Tesla Model 3 based crossover with inspiration also taken from the Tesla Model X SUV. However the Model Y does not have the iconic ‘falcon wing doors’ used in the Model X. The Model Y has been developed to further increase the ‘mass market appeal’ of Tesla pure electric cars.
A strategy very similar to the successful Tesla Model 3. However, unlike the Model 3, the Model Y has room for up to seven adults with an optional third row. The extra seats are an additional cost. Tesla commenced Model Y deliveries for the US market in early 2020 (6 months ahead of schedule).
The Tesla Model Y electric SUV is available in three variants: the entry-level Tesla Model Y, the Model Y Long Range and the Model Y Performance. The entry-level is a rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the other two are offered as dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD).
In terms of pure electric range, neither of the variants disappoint. The entry-level variant has a claimed zero-emission electric range up to 430 km (WLTP), while the Long Range has a range up to 533 km (WLTP). The top of the line, Model Y Performance has an e-range up to 514 km (WLTP).
Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the range for the Model Y is impressive. For the entry level, expect a real-world electric range closer to 390 km. For the Long Range, a pure electric range up to 480 km is more realistic.
For the Performance, expect an electric range closer to 460 km. For those new to electric driving, a number of factors impact the EV range. Some of these include: road conditions, speed, weather, payload, passenger load, tyre size, driving profile and more!
Tesla owners benefit from the Tesla Supercharger network. In fact, Tesla owns and operates the largest fast charging network globally (35,000+ globally) and the network continue to expand rapidly. Tesla claims that Superchargers can add up to 270 km of electric range in just 15 minutes. The Superchargers offers a maximum DC charging rate up to 250 kW. For single-phase (7.4 kW) EV charging at home, the EV will take up to to 12 hours to fully charge.
We at e-zoomed encourage using a dedicated single-phase residential EV charger like myenergi zappi for charging at home. Though electric cars can be charged via a domestic 3-PIN plug, we at e-zoomed do not encourage using a domestic plug for charging an electric car.
In terms of performance, the entry-level rear-wheel drive Model Y can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed up to 217km/h. The all-wheel drive Tesla Model Y Long Range can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5 seconds, with a top speed up to 217km/h. The top of the line, Tesla Model Y Performance can achieve 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed up to 1250km/h. Of course, the Tesla electric car also benefits from instant torque.
The interior of the electric car is designed for minimalism and space. The EV includes a 15 inch touchscreen display and a number of advanced features, either available as standard or an additional option. Some of these include: all-glass roof, 360 degrees rear, side and forward-facing cameras, Tesla Vision (detects nearby cars, helps prevent potential collisions and assists with parking), Tesla Autopilot, summon, smart summon, auto park, auto lane change and more. The EV is practical. The boot size is 854 L. The electric car also has a ‘frunk’ under the bonnet (117 L).
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Good pure electric range | Expensive. Cheaper pure electric alternatives available |
Fast electric performance | Additional 3rd row passengers will have very limited headroom given the sloping roofline |
Supercharger network/ 250 kW DC charging | All-wheel drive not standard on all variants |
The All-Electric Tesla Model Y SUV (credit:Tesla)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | SUV (crossover) |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In Ireland: | Yes |
Variants (3 Options) |
---|
Tesla Model Y (from € 59,490) |
Tesla Model Y Long Range (from € 66,990) |
Tesla Model Y Performance (from € 72,990) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 75 kWh |
Charging: | 250 kW rapid charging standard. On-board charger 11 kW AC (3-Phase) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
---|---|
Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1624 |
Width (mm): | 1920 |
Length (mm): | 4750 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2890 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.8 |
Cargo Volume (L): | 854 |
Tesla Model Y | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 75 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 430 – 533 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 171 |
Charging: | Up to 250 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 36 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (3-Phase) |
Top Speed: | 217 – 250 km//h |
0-100 km/h: | 3.7 – 6.9 seconds |
Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD)/ All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 258 |
Max Power (PS): | 351 |
Torque (Nm): | 527 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 (additional row option up to 7) |
Doors: | 5 |
Weight (kg): | 1,909 – 1,995 |
Colours: | 5 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Top Reasons To Buy An Electric Vehicle (EV)
Never have the reasons to buy an electric car been more compelling, than 2022. The past decade has witnessed a significant maturity of all types of electric vehicles (EVs), to include, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). A BEV, also known as a pure electric car, is propelled using energy stored in an EV battery via an electric motor. While a PHEV uses ‘hybrid technology’, to include, an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor, to propel the vehicle.
One of the primary differences between a BEV and a PHEV, is that, a pure electric car, like the best-selling Tesla Model 3, has a much longer zero-tailpipe emission electric range, compared to a plug-in hybrid electric car, like the Toyota Prius PHEV. The reason is simple: a BEV has a much larger onboard EV battery. In general, the latest BEVs have a zero-emission range between 150 to 400 kms, while PHEVs average closer to 50 kms. Given the significant increase in electric range, improvement in EV charging infrastructure and attractive government grants, BEVs are fast becoming the preferred type of electric vehicle to own!
Lower tailpipe emissions and lower air pollution i.e. improves air quality in the immediate area. |
Significantly cheaper to recharge a full EV battery, compared to filling a full tank of petrol/ diesel. An EV battery can be charged for as little as €10, while filling a tank of fuel is over €100! |
Cheaper to drive per km, compared to an internal combustion engine petrol/ diesel car. An EV costs less than 5 cents per km to drive. |
Lower maintenance costs, compared to an internal combustion engine petrol/ diesel car. Pure electric cars have fewer moving parts, so less can go wrong! |
Lower noise pollution, compared to an internal combustion engine petrol/ diesel car. Noise pollution is as detrimental on health, as air pollution! |
A vast range of fantastic EV available on sale, for all budgets and aspirations. EVs have come a long way since the introduction of the first generation all-electric Nissan Leaf in 2010. |
Attractive government subsidies to support the uptake of electric cars. Take advantage while still available. |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.