Highly Winter Capable | Tesla Model Y

Is the Model Y a capable winter car? Let's talk about tesla in the snow, snow tires for the Model Y, and how snow and cold impact the Tesla Model Y. In this video, I share 4 things that I believe make the Model Y an exceptional winter vehicle. I'll also share tips that I've learned over the last 2 winters of owning this electric vehicle.
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#modely #tesla #teslafsd #fsdbeta
0:00 Opening
0:32 Intro
1:34 Ground Clearance
2:13 Traction - Weight of Vehicle
2:56 Regenerative Braking - Impact
3:10 Traction Control System
4:10 Heat Pump & Octovalve
5:29 Updated Energy App
6:40 Tips
6:59 Tip 1
7:28 Tip 2
8:10 Tip 3
8:25 Tip 4
9:09 Tip 5
9:22 FSD & Snow
11:10 Wrap Up

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

If you're curious about the winter tires that I use, they are the Continental VikingContact 7 tires. I chose them for performance in snow and quiet ride. I purchased Enkei Phantom 19" wheels to put the tires on. Link to my initial video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYDZnJaXppZ_g6s. If you want to see how they work on ice, check out this video, where I drive the car on a frozen lake road: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4vddoJjaJyBeZo. That was one of my favorite early videos to make. Enjoy & let me know of any questions.

[@jerrymcdaniel6643]

Super helpful, I got my 2023 model y a few months ago and didn't really know what to expect for winter

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Glad it helped!

[@thoopra]

Great breakdown! Thanks for the upload

[@DonFather]

Thanks for this video. Not many people talk about these issues on reviews.

[@rhuynh]

Excellent video! Thank you. Can't wait till you tire sock video!

[@rafaelgoulart1085]

Incredibly high quality content. Thank you very much!

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Much appreciated!

[@brianriebedriveselectric]

Great video John! Really good info to share, and you covered a lot of topics. Super drone shots too!

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@charlesking5368]

Oh my...nice clarity...A+...I want one....lol...thx brotha...

[@tedmills1962]

Excellent video, John! Thanks for sharing your experiences and insight with us.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SRT8Cat]

Some really useful information in this video, I enjoyed watching!

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

It was a fun video to make. I'm glad to share my experiences with others. I had a lot of questions when I first started driving it.

[@northshoreplaid]

Excellent!!! Correct tires with a wonderful car = SUCCESS in all seasons!!! Thank you.

[@plugandplayEV]

Beautifully shot and great to see how well the Model Y handles the snow. Eagerly awaiting arrival of the white stuff here in the Northeast so that we can hit the slopes!

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Thank you! I'll share the feedback with my son. He helped with some of the drone and camera work. Have fun on the slopes. We don't have much elevation here, but I do enjoy downhill skiing.

[@thatevchick]

Great video. I am so happy I am in southern california and don't have to deal with this. But tanks for sharing none the less!

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

I love southern Cali - except for the traffic :). Thanks for the comment/support!

[@MK-jq8xl]

That view is everything! But as much as I love the view and the concept of white Christmas, I can’t imagine being around snow everyday shoveling for weeks or months. Weather is the reason we pay top $$$ in Cali.

[@remickn]

thank you, John! I just bought the winter tires for my Model Y which I purchased a month ago. Getting ready for my first winter on electrical vehicle in Calgary, Canada. Thank you for a lot of great insight!

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Awesome - glad I could help. I'm getting ready to toss the winter tires on again in a few weeks.

[@Joshi444]

had ours for a while now. very nice to come into a warm car in the morning, only problem being doors freezing sometimes (just open them via app) and the charger not coming loose (use the latch inside the trunk)

[@chrisdrury2137]

Love to see and updated review with new track mode settings that can push power to front wheels, turn off regen braking, and stability assist up all the way!!

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

That sounds like a good idea for follow-up video. Thanks for the watch & suggestion.

[@northshoreplaid]

I agree John. Last week I had my first winter event..albeit, only quick snow squall...a coating to 1" of snow, but with the cold made it stick. I tried to keep it on FSD, but like you said, it tended to pull right and I just didn't feel comfortable and took over. I don't have winter snow tires & still drive with the Pzeros with 16k miles on them. With 3 motors I felt comfortable and safe, but until FSD really becomes F-S-D..I preferred driving myself. Great video, thank you!

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Well said! Thanks for adding in your experience.

[@darkdragon88]

Cleaning the cameras in the snow is so important. I was trying to rush home during the crazy snowfall we had and all I saw was that the camera was unable to provide a visual on screen error. I couldn't even pull over to fix it because I was stuck in bumper to bumper traffic moving incredibly slow.

[@wutti88]

Thanks for the info...really helpful. I'm thinking between normal 4WD and Model Y. Would be good to see more around: 1) impact from having lower ground clearance than typical SUV. 2) ability to get unstuck if it gets stuck on really heavy snow. But thanks very much for the VDO as it makes me feel more confident.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Great suggestion! I haven’t gotten stuck, but I hear tire socks work great. Other then that, it’s good to know how to get the tow hook out of the frunk and screw it in the front bumper, just in case you need to phone a friend with a truck and tow strap if that is a scenario you’d find yourself in. I’ll drive it through snow drifts up to the bumper, but (mostly on our ice road to our island cabin), I’ll wait until someone plows out the road. You can find an ice road video elsewhere on my channel.

[@johnditoro1676]

I live at 8,000' in the Colorado Rockies. I have a Model Y AWD with studded snows. I haven't had any problems...it pretty much goes through anything. The only warning I would issue is be careful with the regenerative braking in the snow. My 2021 MY does NOT give me ability to set the regen braking to "low". Our 2019 M3 does....and it makes a big difference.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Awesome - thank you for adding in your comment! It's always great to hear another owner's experiences and thoughts. I'm a little envious of the Rockies - we love visiting.

[@TheWSCCHEMISTRY]

Im at 8000 ft also. Don't have an EV now but will get one..... Two questions for high altitude cold. I'm in Gunnison it's pretty cold doesn't seem to be a problem with a tesla, but my old subaru would get snow filled up in the wheel wells, any issues with that? And what was the elevation setting on the range in the video here? Does that affect it much or is it just the elevation change? Heat exchangers don't work as good here...

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

@@TheWSCCHEMISTRY I'm in the upper Midwest, elevation is 1000' above sea level, so not much of a factor here. For snow in the wheel wells, I've never had an issue. We don't get Rockie's snowfall, but see a few huge dumps each winter. I use winter tires with a tread that sheds snow easily and don't have mud flaps installed. There is some ice build up behind the tires, but no worse/better than other vehicles we've owned.

[@johnditoro1676]

@@TheWSCCHEMISTRY I don’t know what the elevation was in the video. In my experience elevation has no impact on range (and I honestly can’t think of a reason why it should) but elevation changes do. I live in Eagle county. I tracked a couple of trips to Frisco in the fall. Approximately 50 miles each way. It took 18-19% of my charge to get there (9,000’) but 12-13% to return (back to 8,000’). In both directions you have to go over the Vail Pass (10,600’). I don’t notice much of an impact of cold weather. I’m not saying that it has no impact, but I keep and charge our cars in a garage and pre-condition the battery before heading out. The vast majority of my driving is local (Edwards to Vail or Edwards to Eagle) and I honestly never think about range. The only time I ever think about it anymore is on long trips. This past fall we took a trip to Mesa Verde. We stayed in a hotel in Telluride that had a Tesla destination charger (outside, no garage). It was around 20F when we left and I was worried about the round trip…lots of hills along the way and in Mesas Verde and no Tesla chargers. The round trip was 190 miles. My total consumption was 59% of my charge. There is a great free app online (they also have one for iPads) called A Better Route Planner. It has the stock parameters for every EV on the market and it uses a Google Maps backbone (I think) to map your trip. You can modify settings (eg…more weight, cold temp, head winds, battery degradation, speed, etc) to customize for your situation. If you set up an account it will also link to your car and use the Whr/mile for your car and your typical driving style). I have used it to plan about a dozen trips. I find it is always conservative (it predicted almost 80% for that Mesa Verde trip). The car’s nav system is way more accurate and always within 1-3% of actual results. I don’t notice a snow-in-the-wheel-well issue impacting driving/range, but we do get build up from slushy road snow that we brush off before pulling into the garage to keep (some of) the dirt out. Sorry for all the numbers. I’m a retired Chemical Engineer and my wife tells me that I keep way too much data on things like this.

[@TheWSCCHEMISTRY]

@@johnditoro1676 Ha. Love the numbers. We teach chemistry at Western here. My son was Nordic Ski racing and i would see loads of Teslas in the parking lots at Frisco, Steamboat etc at races and on the roads. They seemed pretty solid. I grew up in Mancos by Mesa Verde so i always run the numbers of if i could take a trip there and maybe canyon lands. It seems there are many more Tesla chargers than others in the area. A tesla going over Red Mountain pass or Lizard head pass could be pretty exciting if you have the guts! I think there is a tesla charger at Mesa Verde somewhere! My neighbor has a 5yr old Chevy bolt and now a kia EV6 we drove over to Colorado Springs in that to test drive Teslas and VW ID4. It was easy getting over as we lost more elevation but had to stop in Salida to charge on way back as we would have been short getting up Monarch pass but if you get there it is going to charge well enough to get to gunnison. My ICE car gets much better mileage in the mts because you can't go as fast i think. That may help the EV as well. How do you like the noise level in the tesla? things like that? I like the ones we test drove. The ID4 seemed so slow after those. Ha. Most all of our trips aren't that far. I don't even drive most days. Main reason why i don't have an EV now. But mainly driving to ski, mt bike, camp or see parents. I think a model y would work for most of that.

[@EspenJohan]

Thanks for this, im thinking of buying the Tesla Model Y, and this was useful👍. I live in Norway a winter land, so I need a car with good winter capability. You got a new subscriber.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dathyr1]

Thank you for operating the Tesla in winter weather. I live in Northern Illinois so we do get some snowy/icy weather. I will be getting my 2023 model Y long range in a week or two. So besides learning normal summer driving, also learning how the model Y vehicles are in the snow. This will be my first electric vehicle, first using regen single pedal, and first with AWD capability. Ought to be a fun vehicle to drive. Take care.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

After 3 winters, it's definitely proven itself. Range is definitely lower in the winter (and my electric bill higher), but it is still a joy to own/drive in winter months. My typical winter 'range' need is Eau Claire to Duluth, MN. which is about 190 miles. That is right at the range limit (100% to 2% SOC) when outside air temp is around -5 to 0 deg F. The only caveat is that I had to replace the heat pump when it failed during the 3rd winter. But that is after working it hard on many 250-mile subzero road trips over 3 years.

[@jefferykontak4470]

very pleased with our 2 wheel drive Model 3 with snow tires here in northern Ohio. Can only imagine all wheel drive being even better!

[@elainebradley8213]

We do find that winter tires and snow pack lower our range. But it is still sufficient to get us to the nearest supercharger which is 2.5 hours away over roads that are at times very rough and hilly. Our first winter in our model 3 has been really good. Manitoulin Island Ontario

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Nice! Thanks for adding your experience/info.

[@vikram.SumerSingh]

That was an excellent video. John- before you got winter tires, did you have the gemini or induction wheels? Wondering, which ones are better for winter. thanks!

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

I also have the induction wheels that I purchased with the car. I leave the summer tires on them and just swap out wheel sets for each season (summer/winter).

[@ashiga8023]

👌

[@tomooo2637]

I want to add about your comment about pre-heating and plugging into house for pre-heating. 1) If you want to drive as far as possible (long trip) you are correct 2) For most (shorter) journeys most most people most days : when you have cheap electricity at night tariff (like most of the world), then charge your car at night THEN pre-heat the car in the morning from the battery. This way you pre-heat your car with cheap electricity - though your total journey range will be less - hence my "short-journey" comment. Effectively you are buy/selling electricity to your self taking advantage of the fluctuation of the price. This is a cost effective way of running your car for most days. 3) We can take this to extreme for cars with VtoL where you charge your car on cheap tariff then power your house during the day from the car. This is unwise as it will increase the charge cycles on the car battery which, by definition, is more expensive than a battery you add to your house to do this since the house battery will be cheaper and could be second hand car batteries in future.

[@oscarvelandia9202]

Hi John thanks for the video. Wondering what is the range loss in winter? Some ppl claim to see 35% reduction of the range form a full charge; hence the total km or miles per full charge decreases significantly. Here temperatures ranges between 5 to -15 F.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

There are some variables that will affect the cold range. Probably the biggest is whether you precondition (heat) the battery when plugged in before you leave. At those temps, when I don't, I can expect as low as 110 miles of range when driving 65-70mph. If I keep it around 65mph and precondition, I can get as much as 190 miles of range at around 0 deg F. My Model Y Long Range is 3 years old with 60,000 miles. Mostly home charging (except 1-2x/month when I drive outside of my area).

[@TeslaElonSpaceXFan]

🙏

[@loeaglelo]

You briefly mentioned snow chains or snow socks for use with the Model Y. I was wondering if you had any updates regarding your take on their use-I recently bought a set of chains for a road trip where I am anticipating snow and possibly icy road conditions, but have not switched to winter tires since I live in a part of California that doesn’t routinely see snow.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

I haven't purchased yet. Snow in our area has been manageable with just winter tires.

[@Trimaran12]

On the other hand the first time it snowed in my first winter with the 2021 Model Y I backed up into the soft snow ridge across the street and knocked off my factory front mud flaps. #FragileTesla

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Ouch!

[@garyaltonot5621]

Speaking of winter tires... I have 3 cars. A Tesla Model 3 Performance, a Kia Forte, and a Ford Escape. I decided to get winter tires for the Escape because I figured I'd drive it most in the snow. Wouldn't ya know it? My niece needed a vehicle and I ended up letting her drive the Escape. Murphy's Law...

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Absolutely. I couldn't believe the difference that it made as compared with my first winter on the stock tires (20" Induction wheels with Goodyear tires). You're a good uncle for keeping your niece safe :)

[@landondonnelly5101]

I’m stuck between ID.4 AWD ProS or MY LR. Better ground clearance/turn radius and apple car play are what I’ll really be missing if we get MY.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

I don't have experience with the ID4, but I do love the Model Y. Prepping a 3-year review video. I've heard the earlier ID4s had some software issues, but that could just be early production cars.

[@nateums]

What are those rims? So nice!

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Enkei Phantom 19" wheels. Thanks!

[@ezgundam5074]

Just watched your video. How do you find regenerative braking in winter for model Y? I am driving model y, and prepare my first winter in canada. My current model y would not allow me to adjust the regenerative braking at all.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

I haven't had an issue with it. I'll typically attenuate the slowdown (regen braking) with the accelerator pedal by lifting off gradually versus suddenly removing my foot.

[@TeufelHund]

Can you please list what mode to put the car in? I have a 2022 Model Y Performance, I'm guessing "roll" OR "creep" (WHICH ONE?) because "hold" is no good? Also, you want it in "chill mode" instead of the standard "sport" mode right? Or does that not make a difference? What other settings we should be aware off if we've never driven a Tesla in snow and ice? I wish there was a "snow mode" like the Rivian has, that would take all the guess work out. Are there any winter tires for the 21" Uberturbine Model Y Performance wheels?

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

I don't use roll or creep - I like 'hold' when the vehicle is stopped (for all seasons), which just keeps the vehicle stopped without having a foot on the brake. For acceleration, I don't use chill mode routinely. I'll put it on chill when weather is very cold just to conserve battery/range. Otherwise, it is in the higher setting (because I like better acceleration, even if slippery out. The regen braking is the only setting that I bother with in slipper roads. But honestly, I've learned to attenuate pressure on the accelerator for slowdowns, so even keeping it on standard is fine (as long as you don't need to lift foot off the accelerator quickly). If I let someone drive my car and they're not used to regen braking, then always - chill is best.

[@tedmills1962]

I drive on snow covered, slippery roads a lot and find that putting my 2021 MY LR in Off Road Assist mode while in these conditions gives the best driving experience. It automatically shifts to Chill mode and also balances the power and braking/regen evenly between the front and rear tires. This helps prevent the rear wheels from locking up during rapid deceleration which can cause the rear end to slide sideways, especially when cornering.

[@jyahnig]

Any thoughts on RWD only in the snow? My assumption is I want AWD but a friend of mine with a Model 3 says his is only RWD and hasn't had any issues. Have you driven a RWD Tesla in the snow?

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

I've driven other RWD vehicles in snow (and FWD), but not Tesla. It still has Traction Assist for safety, but won't have the same accleration on slippery roads as expected. I'd be curious to hear other's thoughts to this. Please add comments if you have Tesla RWD experience in snow/ice.

[@Henrich205]

Do you feel cold coming into the cabin from roof top glass? I have experience from other cars with such roof windows and even if the window is smaller, I could feel the cold after some time and when you have the option to close the window you really feel the difference. What is your experience with this?

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

I don't, but I usually set my seat low (I don't ride high, so my head isn't close to the glass). I've driven it for 3 winter seasons, with a few 5-hour road trips in 0 to -5 deg F temps and stay plenty warm (unless the heat pump fails, as it once did - video on that elsewhere on my channel).

[@josepinchero]

There isn't a configuration setting for regen braking (low/high) in our model Y (LR) at this time.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Strange... I have a setting for 'standard' and 'low.'

[@wellingtonsantos92311]

How about the battery drain due the to low temperature? I heard some people talking about this loss of battery in the winter. Did you notice that?

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

I don't notice any more drain than usual if the car is just sitting idle. There is some loss to Sentry mode. The real notice (of charge loss) is when staring a drive if I don't have the car preconditioned (warmed when it is plugged in). It uses a lot of energy to bring the battery and cabin to temperature at the start of the drive. On a recent road trip, I observed about 440 watt-hours/mile for first 30 miles, then driving efficiency improved to about 360 watt-hours/mile. By comparison, in summer months, I'm getting about 280-290 watt-hours/mile for most drives. For example - a 75kWh battery gives about 190 miles if efficiency is only 400 watt-hours/mile (75,000wh / 400 watt-hours/mile = 188 miles).

[@carlostorres5267]

Are the door handles heated? What’s a good way to keep snow off the headlights? Thanks!

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

The door handles aren't heated on the 2020 Model Y. But, I haven't had any issues opening the doors, especially with the new Tesla app feature that releases the door with the app if the handle is stuck. I can usually bump it with my fist to loosen as well.

[@Ronaldograxa]

I live in Australia, hiring a tesla model Y in LA to drive to Mammoth, Herts have them in "all weather " tyres. Would they be enough? or not as good as proper winter tyres? thank you

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

The all weather stock tires on the Tesla are fine. I spent my first winter on them. However, there is a drastic difference between them and the dedicated winter tires that I use now.

[@user-pe9gf3zd2l]

please kindly advise winter tires for Tesla Y SR are ContiWinterContact TS860 S good?

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

I don't have any experience with those tires. If someone else here does and can post, we'd appreciate the contribution.

[@user-pe9gf3zd2l]

ordered sottozero 3 T0 pirelli tomorrow picking up my Y :)@@JohnVanDeVoort

[@bjh8560]

I like the wheels. Can you please link to the wheels?

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

I purchased on tirerack.com. The wheels are Enkei Phantom: enkei.com/shop/wheels/performance/phantom/

[@bjh8560]

@@JohnVanDeVoort Awesomeness, thank you!

[@05gauravs]

Thanks for the info. How is the range loss? For me that is the biggest concern with EVs.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

It's noticeable. I did a separate video a few weeks ago about cold weather range, so didn't repeat info in this one. In colder temps that I drive (-5 deg F) range is about 190 miles, as compared with 240-260 miles in warmer months. My car's EPA range is just over 300 miles, but I've never been able to realize that in real world driving. Range loss (over 2 years) from the battery is around 5%, so not much of a factor.

[@05gauravs]

@@JohnVanDeVoort Thank you for responding to my message. It seems range loss is significant in cold weather. Considering I live in an apartment with no charging infrastructure, I don't think I am ready for the EVs yet. Happy holidays!!

[@anthonyng9535]

How do you open your car handle from the app?

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

In the app- if you hold down on one of the four icons below your car, you get a pop up to customize the icon tray. One of the options is to unlatch door.

[@mr.yoo.foodie6361]

How did you get full screen of the car view?

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

The behind-the-car shots are using an Insta360 OneX2 camera on invisible selfie stick. It's attached to the rear window.

[@TheDjnatronic]

I've learned don't live where it snows

[@user-pe9gf3zd2l]

tesla said that I need to used only accepted rims by them otherwise I will loose warranty..

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

I've heard they will deny coverage under warranty for repairs related to non-Tesla components.. So, if the tires fall off, then damage is not covered. However, if your touchscreen goes dead or other non-tire-related things fail, then it would still be covered.

[@Pulpswo]

Is it true the battery life drops fast during winter?

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Only initially, as the car uses some electricity to warm the battery and the cabin. You can reduce this drop by preconditioning (preheating) while the car is still plugged in, before you leave for a trip. Efficiency does drop during the trip itself as well. I have another video on that from early January, showing an example from a 1/2 day road trip.

[@Dashcamfailz]

But what was the range?

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

190 miles. This year 182 miles between charges.

[@rmorales1029]

Can an electric car built in CA handle the snow of CA?

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Before this year, I wouldn't have even though about that question. You're spot-on.

[@steve0826]

Snow tires, snow tires, snow tires.

[@ceuser3555]

Short periods yes but not for prolonged periods.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Well into my 3rd winter season. I'm glad that I installed solar to offset some of the electric bill cost ;)

[@ankitaahuja111]

Do you have RWD or dual motor?

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Dual motor, long range.

[@ankitaahuja111]

@@JohnVanDeVoort do you recommend long range over standard considering the hefty 10 k price difference? I live in Toronto, so have heavy snow only 5-6 times a year.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

@@ankitaahuja111 It depends upon your need. If you can justify the difference, long range will definitely give you the most flexibility, especially for longer road trips. My long-range AWD gets (real world distance) about 190 miles in the winter months and 240-260 miles in the summer months. We regularly drive between Eau Claire and northern MN (about 250 miles). Having the long-range makes that trip easier, especially with a charge in Duluth to have about 30% battery remaining at our destination to get around after arrival before needing to charge.

[@MichaelrennieG]

crap another video without video, we want to see the car in snow

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

Let me know specifically what you wanted. If it’s not already on my channel, I can add it to the ideas list.

[@jameswbarry9576]

Hell no junk

[@dmv_p]

All of these Tesla videos seem like they are staged by Tesla ... none of them seem real whatsoever

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

That brings a smile to my face. I'll take it as a positive that I'm learning enough about creating, filming, and video editing to make something that could be mistaken as a staged video. Thanks for the compliment!

[@dmv_p]

@@JohnVanDeVoort You're probably right ...

[@badimpulses17]

I would take a 4Runner over this electric wannabe SUV anyday of the week.

[@JohnVanDeVoort]

You're right to do so, if that is a better fit for your driving need. I prefer the Chevy Silverado or Jeep Wrangler (both are vehicles that I've owned) for off-road. But, those fit my needs at different times in my life. Currently, I'm enjoying no mid-day stops at the gas station when I'm in a hurry to get somewhere.