Tesla Model Y vs Volkswagen ID.4: 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 Volkswagen ID.4 finishes in 30m; the TeslaModel Y is within a minute.
The Tesla Model Y is the UK's bestselling EV; the Volkswagen ID.4 is the volume electric SUV from the manufacturer that's sold more cars in the UK than any other for decades. Both have similar battery size and similar real-world range, but their charging behaviour is very different.
The Model Y peaks at 250kW and holds a strong curve to 50% SOC. The ID.4 peaks at 175kW on the MEB platform and tapers earlier. On a 150kW charger that's the same time-to-charge in practice; on a 250kW or 350kW unit the Model Y is meaningfully faster.
Real-world efficiency favours the Model Y too (~295Wh/mile vs ~325Wh/mile for the ID.4), so on the same battery the Tesla goes meaningfully further per pound spent. At home both charge at 11kW AC, so overnight cost is dictated by tariff, not car.
Choose the Model Y for ultra-rapid speed and software polish; choose the ID.4 for a more conventional driving experience, more conservative styling and the VW dealer network if that matters to you.
Charging behaviour
- Tesla Model Y
- Volkswagen ID.4
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 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 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 7h 9m avg 7kW | 4h 33m avg 11kW | 1h 0m avg 50kW | 34m avg 89kW | 29m avg 104kW | 28m avg 106kW | 28m avg 106kW | 28m avg 106kW |
Public network cost
15% → 80% session at PAYG rates, cheapest 5 rapid networks.
| Network | Model Y | ID.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Supercharger 58.0p/kWh | £30.91 | £29.03 |
| Pod Point 62.0p/kWh | £33.05 | £31.03 |
| Believ 66.0p/kWh | £35.18 | £33.03 |
| MFG EV Power 77.0p/kWh | £41.04 | £38.54 |
| Mer 78.0p/kWh | £41.57 | £39.04 |
Home charging cost
Full 0% → 100% on each common UK tariff, cheapest rate slot.
| Tariff | Model Y | ID.4 |
|---|---|---|
| British Gas Electric Driver 9.0p/kWh (Off-peak) | £7.38 | £6.93 |
| EDF GoElectric Overnight 7.0p/kWh (Off-peak) | £5.73 | £5.38 |
| E.ON Next Drive 9.0p/kWh (Off-peak) | £7.38 | £6.93 |
| Intelligent Octopus Go 6.9p/kWh (Off-peak) | £5.66 | £5.31 |
| Octopus Go 7.0p/kWh (Off-peak) | £5.73 | £5.38 |
| OVO Charge Anytime 14.0p/kWh (EV charging slot) | £11.48 | £10.78 |
| Standard Variable Price Cap 26.1p/kWh (Standard) | £21.41 | £20.11 |
Cost per mile
Real-world Wh/mile efficiency × representative tariffs.
| Scenario | Model Y | ID.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Home smart off-peak | 2.0p/mile | 2.1p/mile |
| Tesla Supercharger | 17.1p/mile | 17.7p/mile |
| BP Pulse PAYG | 26.3p/mile | 27.1p/mile |
Considering any of these cars?
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Common questions
How much faster is the Model Y at a 250kW charger?
Around 10-15 minutes faster on a 10-80% session — the ID.4 is hard-capped at 175kW and tapers earlier in the curve.
Does the ID.4 match the Model Y at a 50kW rapid?
Yes — at lower charger speeds both cars are charger-limited and finish in similar times.
Which is cheaper to run?
The Model Y wins on cost per mile because of better efficiency. On the same tariff per kWh, the Tesla's lower Wh/mile translates directly to lower pence per mile.