How to Drive a Tesla Model Y: A Complete Guide

The Tesla Model Y is the perfect vehicle for families or groups to travel in luxurious and innovative comfort. However, after a lifetime of driving a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, adjusting to an electric vehicle can be daunting. You’ll need to understand ranges, where to find charging stations, touchscreen controls, and other features.

This guide will show you the key differences between a Tesla Model Y electric car and petrol-powered vehicles, and tips to keep in mind if you aren’t used to driving an electric vehicle. 

We’ll also guide you through other key features of the car you need to know before setting off on your adventure. We’ll help you drive your Tesla Model Y confidently, comfortably, and carefree. 

Electric cars vs petrol-powered cars: Key differences

The key differences between driving electric cars vs petrol-powered cars are:

1. Weight: Our Tesla Model Y rental weighs more than a typical car, which could throw off new drivers and require a moment of adjusting. The added weight makes the Model Y feel like it’s clinging to the ground and can affect how quickly the car stops when you press the brake pedal, or how it handles hard turns on the steering wheel.
2. Gearbox: Almost all EVs use an automatic transmission, and most of the system is powered directly from the battery. This means there are fewer gears and moving components needed to shift power across the vehicle. Without these components, electric cars are much quieter, easier to maintain, and more energy-efficient than ICE vehicles. 
3. Acceleration: The Tesla Model Y’s electric motor generates torque nearly instantly. This can feel quite different compared to the gradual process of shifting gears and revving you may be used to in a petrol-powered car. Always keep the faster acceleration in mind as you hit the gas pedal to avoid sudden bursts of speed, going over the speed limit, or hitting the car in front of you.
4. Regenerative braking: The Tesla Model Y uses a regenerative braking system that recycles energy from acceleration and deceleration. This energy is sent back to the engine to help it last longer without needing to recharge. This regeneration causes a slight breaking effect when you put your foot off the accelerator, slowing the car down whether you’ve hit the brake pedal or not. The added weight combined with the braking system are likely factors new drivers will need to adjust to for a safer and more comfortable ride. 
5. Internal space: As an electric engine requires fewer components to function, many car manufacturers use the space to create bigger storage space or more leg room throughout the vehicle. This makes the Tesla Model Y a perfect choice for long road trips and adventures. 

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How to drive a Tesla Model Y

Here’s what you need to know before driving a Tesla Model Y for the first time.

How to unlock a Tesla Model Y

A Tesla Model Y can be unlocked with three types of keys: A phone key, a key card, or a key fob.

If you hire a Tesla with GO Rentals, you will be provided with a key card rather than a key fob to unlock your vehicle. It will be set up for use before you’ve picked up your car. 

1. Key Card: To use a keycard to unlock your Tesla, place the keycard onto the black pillar on the side of the door near the driver’s seat. When the car has detected the key, the exterior lights will flash, the mirrors will fold and unfold (if this feature is enabled) and the horn will sound (if Confirmation Sound is enabled). 
2. Key Fob: The key fob has 3 buttons. Starting from the Tesla logo, the first button will unlock the front boot, the second button will unlock all doors and trunks and the third button will unlock the rear boot. If the fob’s battery is dead, it can still be used to unlock the vehicle through the black pillar on the driver’s side door. 
3. Phone Key: With a phone key set up, the Model Y will automatically unlock as you approach it. To set up your phone key, download the Tesla app and enable Bluetooth on your phone. Then, while next to your vehicle, open the app, select your car, and next to the ‘Phone Key’, hit the ‘Set Up’ button. If the phone key is not working, the app has instructions for completing the setup using a backup key card. If the phone key is still not working, see the Tesla Model Y user manual for further instructions and troubleshooting.

Please note that the Tesla mobile app cannot be used with GO Rentals vehicles. Instead, you can use the GO Rentals App for functions such as remote lock/unlock, opening the trunk/frunk, honking the horn, flashing the lights, and monitoring your Tesla’s battery level and location.

These functions rely on internet access, so remember to always keep your key card with you.

When you pick up your Tesla vehicle, our team will provide all the information you need for using the GO Rentals App to control the functions of your Tesla.

The Model Y also includes the following locking and unlocking features:

1. Walk-away door lock that automatically secures the car when your phone or key fob is out of range. (This feature is not available on GO Rentals Teslas as they only use key cards).
2. Automatic lock when driving speed exceeds 8 km/h.
3. Auto-unlock feature when you approach the driver seat with a paired key fob. (This feature is not available on GO Rentals Teslas as they only use key cards).
4. Child safety locks.
5. Phone notification if you’ve left the car unlocked or open. (This feature is not available on GO Rentals Teslas as they only use key cards).

How to start a Tesla Model Y

To start a Tesla Model Y car, place the key card on the flat area of the centre console, just behind the cup holders. Once the car has been started, you can move the card into a more secure position. This will prevent it from sliding while you’re driving.

To begin driving, put your foot on the brake and move the drive stalk down for drive, or move the stalk up for reverse. You can also operate other controls and features through the vehicle’s touchscreen, such as the mirrors and lights, parking, manually powering down the car, charging ports, music, and more. 

For additional security, you can also set up a 4-digit PIN code that must be entered before driving through the ‘PIN to drive’ feature on the touchscreen. You can set this feature up by pressing ‘Controls’> ‘Safety’ > ‘PIN to Drive’. If there are any issues with the touchscreen, or the screen is unresponsive, the pin can be bypassed by turning on keyless driving in the Tesla app. 

GO Rentals customers who are hiring Teslas may add a PIN to their vehicle. Please remember to remove the PIN before returning your vehicle, or advise our team what the PIN is. If you do set up this function in your Tesla rental, remember that the Tesla App is not available for connection.

If the Model Y can’t detect any of the three key devices, the car will be disabled and the touchscreen will ask for driver authentication. If this happens, place the keycard behind the cup holder so the RFID reader can detect it and begin the 2-minute authentication restart period. The model can then be restarted by pressing the brakes.

How to adjust mirrors and lights on a Tesla Model Y

A Tesla Model Y’s lights can be adjusted from the vehicle’s touchscreen. Simply touch the ‘Controls’ tab, then select ‘Lights’. You can also access exterior light settings by pulling the signal stalk towards you. Lights may automatically turn on and off depending on your location and what you are doing, such as driving through dark areas. High beam lighting can also be controlled from the signal stalk. 

The mirrors on a Tesla Model Y can also be adjusted from the ‘Controls’ tab on your touchscreen. These adjustments include folding and unfolding the exterior mirror and setting up or turning off an automatic mirror tilt when you reverse. Mirrors can also be adjusted from the scroll buttons on either side of the wheel. To reduce nighttime glare, the rearview and side mirrors dim automatically. 

How to park and power off a Tesla Model Y

You can shift your Model Y into park mode by pressing the button on the end of the drive stalk. The vehicle will also power off when the key fob or phone key is out of range, or when it’s been in Park for 30 minutes. This feature is not available with GO Rentals Tesla hires, as they function using only a key card.

The Model Y also shifts into Park if it determines you’ve left the vehicle. This is indicated by the seatbelt being undone and the car being at a standstill. If needed, the power can be manually turned off by using the touchscreen and selecting ‘Controls’ > ‘Safety’ > ‘Power Off’.

How to charge a Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y charge port is on the left side of the vehicle, behind a door that is a piece of the rear tail light. The car can only be charged in Park mode. To open the charge port door when using a Tesla charging cable, press and release the button on the charging cable. You can also open the charge port from the touchscreen, by either pressing the lightning bolt charge port icon or selecting ‘Controls’ > ‘Charging’ > ‘Open Charge Port’.

After the charging cable has been inserted into the charge port, the Model Y will automatically begin charging after a latch that holds the connector in place is engaged, the car has been placed into Park, or after the battery has finished heating or cooling, if required. Learn more about charging here. 

Other Tesla Model Y features to know

The Tesla Model Y has some of the newest and most innovative features you can find in any car. The following are some extra Model Y features to keep in mind while you’re driving:

1. Connectivity: A Tesla Model Y can sync up with Wi-Fi, smart garages, Bluetooth, phone connection, and more! With the Model Y’s connectivity, you can set up your music, Google Maps, or any other feature you may need on the road.  
2. Autopilot features: The Tesla Model Y has a range of Autopilot features to provide assistance when driving. Be advised, that any automated features still require human involvement for safe driving. Ensure you read the owner’s manual for more information on how to get the most out of Tesla’s Autopilot features. 
3. Sentry Mode: The Model Y features a ‘Sentry Mode’ that detects possible threats or car thefts within the car’s proximity. Sentry Mode must be turned on manually and requires at least 20% of the battery’s total power. 

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Electric vehicle driving tips

At GO Rentals, we want to drive you towards EV benefits, eco-friendly practices and make your time in our Tesla Model Y as easy as possible. Here are some tips to keep in mind to get the most out of driving your Tesla Model Y in New Zealand:

Plan your trip

As New Zealand works towards net-zero emissions, you will find plenty of EV charging stations on your journey. These stations offer a great chance to rest, have lunch, or take in the scenery. Plan your trip as much as possible to get the most out of your journey and stay within your electric vehicle’s effective range. 

Why not check out our road trip itineraries for the North and South Island? We’ll take you along beautiful and scenic routes with plenty of power stations along the way, so you don’t have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of the road. 

Stay prepared

Our rental Tesla Model Y cars have an estimated range of 455 km, but you should use a charging station before this point. Extreme weather and road conditions can also alter the effective range of your vehicle. 

Do not solely rely on the projected range the vehicle gives you. Plan for any issues or setbacks before setting off. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case a station is out of order as you arrive or plan for any malfunctions. 

Know your vehicle

If this is your first time driving a Tesla Model Y, or an electric car in general, it is a good idea to become as familiar with it as possible before you head out on any long trips. Be sure to check what components are controlled from the touchscreen when you may be used to using a button or other input instead.

It could also help to drive your car around an empty parking lot if possible, to adjust to the weight and the regenerative braking effect. 

Sparking Joy with GO Customers

Our Snap Happy Photo Competition has customers revv’d up about our car hire in New Zealand! Submit a cool photo of your GO travel memory and be in with a chance to WIN up to $500 back from your booking.

Hursh

For our South Island adventure, we rented a Tesla and set off to explore stunning spots like Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, and Mount Hutt. We wanted to see if driving an EV was right for us, and it didn’t disappoint! Every time we stumbled upon a breathtaking view; we couldn’t resist pulling over to capture the moment. Here’s one of our favourite shots from the trip!

 

Ema

All I can say is amazing. I called from Australia to book our car; we spoke to the loveliest consultant on the phone. She explained everything perfectly. The pick-up and drop-off staff were amazing. The car exceeded expectations that might have convinced us we needed a Tesla for our next family car.

 

 

Jennifer

We had a wonderful smooth ride in our GO Rentals Tesla Y from Auckland to Mangawhai through the lovely green countryside to a stunning beach.

 

 

Yuchi

In a serene moment, with the universe hushed, there’s a profound beauty in embracing tranquillity while swiftly journeying through the skies in a Tesla, feeling an elite ascent.

 

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GO explore New Zealand in a Tesla Model Y

The thought of driving an unfamiliar vehicle like the Tesla Model Y or Model 3 might seem a little bit intimidating. But once you get your head around these vehicles, you can see that an electric car rental is perfect for your trip across New Zealand. You can even learn how to drive a Tesla Model 3 at the same time and compare!

Want to learn even more about Tesla vehicles? Check out our complete Tesla FAQ page.

Whether you’re a local looking to explore, a tourist eager to experience our beautiful countryside, or a curious buyer who wants to test a Model Y before your final purchase, we can get you to your destination with comfortable and eco-friendly travel! 

With GO Rentals, you can hit the road with absolute peace of mind, with 24-hour roadside assistance and complementary basic insurance included in the price of all our hires and the Total Road Care package. We’ll have you GOing full throttle for your electric vehicle drive!

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