Car sales around the world have had their ups and downs over the years, but the SUV’s rise in popularity seems never-ending. A blend of comfort, style and space, it now represents a large part of the European automotive market. It is also a category of cars that is often criticized for what it represents: an abnormally heavy and massive car. But, in this context, an astonishing phenomenon has occurred: the best-selling SUV in Europe is also one of the most efficient electric cars, all categories combined.
The SUV, initially considered a niche vehicle, has gained massive popularity in recent years. The figures prove it: in 2010, the SUV represented barely 10% of registrations in Europe. But in the first half of 2023, this figure jumped to 51%, demonstrating growing dominance in the market. With a rapid increase of 23% in just six months, this also allowed the Tesla Model Y to establish itself as the best-selling vehicle in Europe, outperforming all other car categories.
Tesla Model Y: a paradox on four wheels
So how can the best-selling SUV also be one of the most efficient, especially in a world where the SUV is synonymous with higher emissions and aerodynamic inefficiency? The answer lies in the Model Y’s design.
In theory, an SUV, because of its structure, emits more CO2 than other types of cars, with a difference that can reach up to 20% for the largest models. This logic also applies to electric cars. But the Tesla Model Y defies these expectations. Although Tesla presents the Model Y AWD as the most efficient SUV, it is actually the RWD version that holds this title in Europe.
In terms of consumption, the Model Y is impressive. At 130 km/h on the motorway, it consumes around 18.5 kWh/100 km. This figure is much better, by far, than sedans like the Renault Mégane E-Tech or the Citroën ë-C4, which consume around 22 kWh under the same conditions. Granted, that’s still more than Tesla’s new Model 3, but the fact that an SUV can compete with sedans, and even surpass them in terms of efficiency, is remarkable.
In short, we are witnessing a paradox in the automotive market. Although the SUV, in general, is less efficient due to its weight and design, the best-selling SUV in Europe – the Tesla Model Y – turns out to be one of the most efficient electric cars.
This leads us to wonder about the future of the automobile. Perhaps the SUV, long demonized for its environmental impact, is not so harmful if it is designed in an innovative way.
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