The addition of the heat pump to the Model Y has changed the game for the electric utility vehicle in terms of efficiency, and the results are just beginning to show.
On Wednesday, YouTube channel Tesla Canuck released a new video, testing out the new Tesla Model Y heat pump in -11 degree (Celsius) weather. The host begins the video with the battery at a completely cold level, indicated by the infotainment displaying the blue snowflake, and going on to drive through what would be real world, cold weather conditions for the average Canuck commuter.
Regarding the nature of the test, the host says, “My goal here is not to conserve energy. My goal here is to try to mimic a typical commute, and I’m going to drive at about ten percent above the speed limit.”
I love cold weather; I can do more testing with the Model Y heat pump! Real efficiency test at -11°C (12°F). Heat pump contributes to a ~14% improvement in efficiency vs. my old Model 3.https://t.co/fFGtnGAaeL#teslamodely #teslamodel3 @MFrunker @tesla_talks @trevlan006
— Electric Canuck 🇺🇦 (@Electric_Canuck) December 16, 2020
While past Tesla models have been criticized for their battery’s ability to remain efficient in cold conditions such as these, the Model Y heat pump seems to have had a major impact on the EV’s ability to handle sub-zero temperatures.
Additionally, Tesla Canuck notes the cabin temperature had been “very comfortable,” and “in fact, it was getting a little too warm,” signaling an improvement to comfort levels in extreme temperatures, at the very least.
We’ve already seen how the new Model 3 refresh with heat pump also brings similar efficiency as well.
You can watch the full breakdown of the Tesla Model Y heat pump below:
