You’re sitting in peak-hour traffic on a highway with the heat pump quietly doing its job, and the heated steering wheel keeping your hands warm on an icy morning. The silence of the electric vehicle around you is calming. No rumble, emissions, or petrol station stops on your commute, but clean, quiet momentum. 

You’re in a Tesla Model Y, and beneath your feet is one of the most talked-about components in modern motoring, the Tesla Model Y battery.

But what exactly powers this popular electric SUV? How does the Tesla Model Y battery size affect real-world driving? And is the Tesla Model Y long-range battery capacity really enough for Australia’s wide-open roads?

Let’s take a deep, real-world look at what matters when it comes to Tesla Model Y battery capacity.

Tesla Model Y Battery Capacity and Why It Matters

The Tesla Model Y comes in two main trims: Long Range and Performance, both with a usable battery capacity of 75 kWh. The nominal capacity for both trims is 78.1 kWh for the Long Range and 60 kWh for the Model Y. The Long Range version has a slightly larger usable battery capacity of 75 kWh. 

Whether you’re driving from Parramatta to the Sydney CBD or heading up to Noosa for the weekend, the battery in your Tesla Model Y isn’t just a technical detail, it’s the heart of your electric car.

If you’re purchasing outright or considering a novated lease through Vehicle Solutions Australia, understanding the Tesla Model Y battery specs can help you choose the right variant for your lifestyle. Do you need more city range for the school run and groceries? Or do you need serious long-range for regional travel, visiting family or client sites?

Let’s break it down by variant.

Tesla Model Y RWD: Entry-Level Efficiency That Punches Above Its Class

This is the most affordable variant, and it’s quickly becoming popular for city drivers. The standard range model is ideal if most of your driving is metro-based.

  • Usable Battery Capacity: Approx. 60 kWh
  • Battery Type: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), known for better longevity and being okay with regular 100% charges
  • Energy Consumption: ~15.1 kWh/100 km
  • WLTP Driving Range: Up to 455 km
  • 0–100 km/h: Around 6.9 seconds

What That Means in Practice

In the real world, with aircon running and passengers in the rear seats, you’re likely looking at around 380 km of actual range. This variant comes with adaptive cruise control, a heat pump, USB-C ports, and even child occupant protection features.

You also get practical features like map pockets and split-folding rear seats, which make it a great urban family SUV. And thanks to the LFP battery chemistry, it’s okay to charge to 100% every night without degrading the battery, a bonus for home-charging setups.

Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD: Best for Commuters and Road-Trippers

This variant is what most people mean when they talk about the upgraded model of the Model Y. It’s ideal for longer-distance driving and families that often go on road trips.

  • Usable Battery Capacity: Approx. 75 kWh
  • Battery Type: Nickel Cobalt Aluminium (NCA) ,  higher energy density, faster charging
  • Energy Consumption: ~16.9 kWh/100 km
  • WLTP Driving Range: Up to 533 km
  • 0–100 km/h: About 5.0 seconds

Use Case

Live in the suburbs and work in the city? You can do a full week of round-trip commuting, say 40 km per day, without needing to recharge more than once. Weekend trips from Melbourne to Lorne? Easy. You’ll only need a quick supercharger top-up.

The Tesla Model Y long-range battery capacity is where the value of this variant shines, especially if you want fewer charging stops and more flexibility. It’s also eligible for full self-driving software upgrades, making it ideal for long-haul travel.

Model Y Performance AWD: High-Speed EV With a Trade-Off

If you want your electric vehicle to feel like a sports car, the Performance AWD is your go-to. It’s fast, 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, kind of fast.

  • Usable Battery Capacity: Still around 75 kWh
  • Battery Type: NCA
  • Energy Consumption: ~18.5 kWh/100 km
  • WLTP Range: About 514 km, but realistically closer to 420–450 km if driven aggressively
  • Key Details: 21-inch wheels, sport suspension, upgraded brakes

This model sacrifices a bit of range for high-speed thrills. The Model Y performance battery size is identical to the Long Range, but because of the heavier wheels and performance tuning, you’ll get fewer kilometres per charge.

If your commute is short but you want a fun daily drive and high-end features like enhanced vulnerable road user protection, this variant hits the mark.

Battery Warranty: Long-Term Confidence for Novated Lease Drivers

One of the reasons so many Australians are switching to electric cars is the confidence that comes with battery coverage. Tesla backs its Model Y battery with the following:

  • Model Y RWD: 8 years or 160,000 km (whichever comes first)
  • Long Range / Performance AWD: 8 years or 192,000 km

To qualify for warranty, the battery must retain at least 70% of its original capacity during that time. With LFP batteries, this retention is even more stable thanks to better cycle durability.

Energy Consumption and Charging

Charging habits vary, but here’s a rough breakdown of energy’s cost:

  • Home Charging: 25 cents/kWh (off-peak)
  • Public Chargers: 40–60 cents/kWh
  • Tesla Superchargers: Up to 70 cents/kWh

A full charge on a Model Y RWD costs around $15 at home, and that’ll take you nearly 380 km. That’s less than 4 cents per kilometre, far cheaper than fuel.

Tip: If you’re using a novated lease, you can claim charging costs as part of your lease package (check with your employer or salary packaging provider).

Model Y RWD Review: Best Entry into Tesla’s World

If you’re buying through a novated lease, the Model Y RWD is a smart choice to keep on-road costs low. It’s eligible for the 100% tax-free EV incentive in Australia and gives you Tesla’s tech at a lower price point.

  • Great child occupant protection scores
  • Practical SUV format
  • Efficient energy consumption
  • Lowest on-road costs in the Model Y lineup

It’s not an initial production vehicle either, it’s been refined over time, with an updated model now sporting better fit-and-finish, more efficient motors, and standard extras like USB-C ports and a heated steering wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the battery capacity of the Tesla Model Y? 

The battery capacity of the Tesla Model Y depends on the variant you choose. The Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) version features a battery capacity of approximately 60 kWh, while both the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Performance AWD variants are equipped with a larger 75 kWh battery.

How many kWh is a Tesla Model Y? 

The RWD offers around 60 kWh, which is ideal for city driving and shorter commutes. The Long Range and Performance AWD versions include about 75 kWh each, delivering extended range and stronger acceleration, which is better suited for regional travel, family road trips, or anyone who frequently drives beyond city limits.

What is the real-world range of a Tesla Model Y?

Generally, you can expect approximately 380 km of actual range for the RWD variant. The Long Range AWD typically provides between 445 and 460 km in everyday conditions, while the Performance AWD, despite having the same battery size, offers a slightly lower real-world range, around 420 to 450 km, due to its sport-tuned components and 21-inch wheels, which increase energy consumption.

What type of battery is in the Tesla Model Y? 

As for the battery type, the Model Y RWD is powered by a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. This chemistry allows for frequent charging to 100% without rapid degradation, making it a good choice for daily charging at home. In contrast, the Long Range and Performance AWD variants use Nickel Cobalt Aluminium (NCA) battery cells. These are known for their higher energy density, allowing for more range and quicker acceleration, though you can charge to around 80–90% for optimal battery health.

Is the Tesla Model Y battery warranty sufficient? 

When it comes to peace of mind, the Tesla Model Y battery warranty is one of the strongest in the electric vehicle market. The RWD model is covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, while the Long Range and Performance AWD models are protected for 8 years or 192,000 km. Tesla guarantees that the battery will maintain at least 70% of its original capacity during that period. This comprehensive coverage is especially beneficial for Australian drivers opting for novated leasing, where long-term reliability and predictable costs are key.

Drive Away Smarter with Vehicle Solutions Australia

If you’re planning to switch to a Tesla Model Y, let Vehicle Solutions Australia help you maximise value. Through novated leasing, you get tax savings on the car, insurance, servicing, tyres, and even your home charging setup.

Whether you’re choosing the nimble Model Y RWD or the confident Long Range AWD, understanding your Tesla Model Y battery capacity helps ensure you’re driving the right EV for your needs and budget.