On the road in Laois: Tesla’s Model Y test drive

Tesla as most will know have been pioneers in the push for mass market usage of the electric car. After all, they produce nothing but electric cars. As we enter 2025 though the electric car market has slumped with many first adopters going back to hybrid and others avoiding electric cars altogether. The reasons are well documented so we won’t go there now. Here at home sales of EVs were down over 20% by the end of 2024 and its generally now accepted that government targets for one million EVs on the road by 2030 are but a pipe dream.

Tesla who were for a time ahead of the game with their range of EVs have like others felt the change and furthermore as the Chinese manufacturers such as BYD make greater inroads into the European and global markets competition has become tough. So to the new model Y. The Model Y is classed as a Crossover or SUV so it sits taller than the Model 3. The model on test this week is the Model Y rear wheel drive long range. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

First Impressions
The model Y has the same clean uncluttered lines of the more compact model 3 with a smooth plain front. The styling would not win awards for individuality and the Y looks rather like a 3 on steroids. Nonetheless it's a pure type of design that is appealing in its own way.

What’s it like inside?
Very very minimalist! Basically there is just a steering wheel and a gigantic central touch screen through which everything is operated. White faux leather seats, a huge glass panoramic roof and that's about it.
The Tesla philosophy takes a bit of getting used to at first. For example just adjusting the mirrors or indeed the steering wheel requires you to go through the touchscreen and then use one of the multiple function buttons on the steering wheel. These buttons (there are just two) change functionality depending on what you choose on the touchscreen. Even opening the glove box is done via the touchscreen!

Netflix, You tube and others are also available on the screen. Interestingly there is no Apple Car Play or Android Auto, something I missed as I use Waze amongst other apps. Tesla use Google for all the navigation functions and it's very good but I would prefer to be able to use my own choice rather than have one imposed upon me.
The model Y has plenty of kit, much of it all automatic such as auto heated seats, driver assist functions including an Autopilot. Mind you the Autopilot is actually really just a lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control as I found it instructs you to keep hands on the wheel. I would certainly not use it as an Autopilot in the true sense of the word!
There are a myriad of apps and some gimmicky stuff like a light show twinned with music where the car puts on a light show and windows and rear hatch open and close to the music. You will do it once then never again.
The model Y boasts a huge roomy cabin and build quality seems quite good though you don’t have to look too far to find some hard touch plastics.

Performance and Handling
Like most EVs it's quick in a straight line. The Model Y handles well but you certainly do feel its mass in cornering. Tesla claim a range of 532 km and I achieved 454km so quite a good result. Tesla's fast charging works very well too where available and use of heating etc did not seem to compromise range as much as in many other EVs.

Hugh’s Verdict
The model Y tested is priced from €50, 527 which is competitive. As an EV it's a good one. It's not a car for those who love driving though rather a method of getting from A toB and that it does well.