Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: charging compared
Charging curves overlaid, time-to-charge at every common UK charger speed, and per-network cost — modelled on each car's actual charging behaviour.
At a 150kW UK rapid (10% → 80%): the Tesla Model 3 finishes in 28m, around 3 minutes ahead of the TeslaModel Y at 31m.
The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y share the same 75kWh battery, same 250kW peak, and the same Supercharger network. Charging behaviour is essentially identical — both peak around 250kW briefly between 10-20% SOC then taper. So why would you pick one over the other?
Real-world efficiency. The Model 3 is the more aerodynamic of the two and uses around 270Wh/mile in mixed UK driving, against the Model Y's ~295Wh/mile. That gap matters more on the motorway, where the Model 3 will go 10-15% further on the same battery charge. Per session cost is identical (same kWh delivered), but cost per mile is meaningfully lower on the Model 3.
Practically, both pre-condition automatically when navigating to a Supercharger, both charge at 11kW AC at home, and both will hit any 250kW Supercharger you can find them at. The Model Y is the family SUV; the Model 3 is the saloon.
Choose by body style and interior practicality, not by charging. Cost per mile favours the Model 3 slightly; everything else is identical.
Charging behaviour
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model Y
Time to charge by charger speed
SOC range 15% → 80%. Cells softer where the charger speed exceeds the car's peak DC — higher chargers deliver the same time.
| Car | 7kW | 22kW | 50kW | 100kW | 150kW | 250kW | 350kW | 400kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 6h 58m avg 7kW | 4h 26m avg 11kW | 59m avg 50kW | 33m avg 89kW | 27m avg 109kW | 24m avg 122kW | 24m avg 122kW | 24m avg 122kW |
| Tesla Model Y | 7h 37m avg 7kW | 4h 51m avg 11kW | 1h 4m avg 50kW | 36m avg 89kW | 29m avg 109kW | 26m avg 122kW | 26m avg 122kW | 26m avg 122kW |
Public network cost
15% → 80% session at PAYG rates, cheapest 5 rapid networks.
| Network | Model 3 | Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Supercharger 58.0p/kWh | £28.27 | £30.91 |
| Pod Point 62.0p/kWh | £30.23 | £33.05 |
| Believ 66.0p/kWh | £32.17 | £35.18 |
| MFG EV Power 77.0p/kWh | £37.54 | £41.04 |
| Mer 78.0p/kWh | £38.02 | £41.57 |
Home charging cost
Full 0% → 100% on each common UK tariff, cheapest rate slot.
| Tariff | Model 3 | Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| British Gas Electric Driver 9.0p/kWh (Off-peak) | £6.75 | £7.38 |
| EDF GoElectric Overnight 7.0p/kWh (Off-peak) | £5.24 | £5.73 |
| E.ON Next Drive 9.0p/kWh (Off-peak) | £6.75 | £7.38 |
| Intelligent Octopus Go 6.9p/kWh (Off-peak) | £5.17 | £5.66 |
| Octopus Go 7.0p/kWh (Off-peak) | £5.24 | £5.73 |
| OVO Charge Anytime 14.0p/kWh (EV charging slot) | £10.50 | £11.48 |
| Standard Variable Price Cap 26.1p/kWh (Standard) | £19.58 | £21.41 |
Cost per mile
Real-world Wh/mile efficiency × representative tariffs.
| Scenario | Model 3 | Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Home smart off-peak | 1.9p/mile | 2.0p/mile |
| Tesla Supercharger | 15.7p/mile | 17.1p/mile |
| BP Pulse PAYG | 24.0p/mile | 26.3p/mile |
Considering any of these cars?
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Common questions
Does the Model 3 charge faster than the Model Y?
Same battery, same peak DC, same curve. Charging time on any charger is identical to within a minute.
Why does the Model 3 cost less per mile?
Better aerodynamics — around 270Wh/mile real-world vs 295Wh/mile for the Model Y. Same energy in, more miles out.
Which has more range?
Around 310 real-world miles for the Model 3 vs 254 for the Model Y on the same Long Range battery. Aerodynamics again.