Why is the Tesla Model Y Long Range Propulsion so light?
- Published on 05/06/2024 9:48
- Modified on 25/09/2025 5:56
Despite its larger capacity battery, the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD is actually 25 kg lighter than the RWD.
The product plan strategy of Tesla is hard to read. After introducing its “new” Model Y Long Range RWD, several questions arise. The first is simple: what if this is just a simple evolution of the RWD version before battery stocks run out?
Why? Because in the United States, the RWD has already disappeared. Then, reading the technical specifications makes it impossible to say that the Long Range RWD “suffers” from a large battery. The proof is that, ironically, it is the lightest configuration in the catalog. How is that possible?
Tesla Model Y 2024 Technical Specifications
What are the differences?
The war between BYD and Tesla in the electric market—is that the reason for this Model Y Long Range RWD? To understand, we must look at the battery supply sources.
The RWD version benefits from a 60 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery produced by BYD. In contrast, the Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance versions are equipped with an 80 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery made by LG Chem.
Therefore, we see that this second battery, in addition to providing a 30% greater range (from 455 to 600 km), is 25 kg lighter. Hence, its energy consumption is also the lowest in this comparison. Ironically, that’s not all: thanks to its more efficient chemistry, it can handle much higher charge peaks. On the Model Y RWD, the BYD battery regulates at 175 kW charging, compared to 250 kW for all versions equipped with the LG Chem battery!
On long journeys, the time savings can be enormous to achieve the same range.
| RWD | Long Range RWD | Long Range AWD | Performance | |
| Price* | €40,990.00 | €42,990.00 | €51,990.00 | €57,990.00 |
| Range | 455 km | 600 km | 533 km | 514 km |
| Charging | 175 kW | 250 kW | 250 kW | 250 kW |
| 0 to 100 km/h | 6.9 seconds | 5.9 seconds | 5.0 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
| *€4000 bonus deducted (as of June 1, 2024) |
Conclusion
Only €2000 separate the Model Y RWD and Long Range RWD. The latter is undoubtedly the most relevant configuration in the entire Tesla Model Y catalog as it offers a reasonable price (€42,990 with the €4000 bonus) and almost the same performance as all-wheel-drive versions. It also provides the greatest range.
If you have to choose, don’t hesitate: the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD is the one that stands out.
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This page is translated from the original post "Pourquoi la Tesla Model Y Grande Autonomie Propulsion est si légère ?" in French.
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