Green NCAP awarded the Tesla Model Y a maximum five-star Sustainability Rating on 29 October 2026. The independent programme examined the environmental performance of the rear-wheel-drive electric SUV, including the impact of producing and using the vehicle.
Five-star result for the rear-wheel-drive Model Y
The evaluated Model Y is a rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle weighing approximately 1.9 tonnes and equipped with a 60 kWh battery. Green NCAP said the assessment considered energy use during driving as well as environmental effects across the vehicle’s life cycle.
According to Green NCAP, the Model Y performed strongly in electricity consumption tests and recorded favourable results for brake and tyre abrasion. The organisation attributed its braking-related performance in part to regenerative braking and smooth accelerator calibration.
Tesla supplied vehicle production information
Green NCAP said Tesla provided detailed production data for the life-cycle assessment, allowing reviewers to assess the Berlin-built Model Y using information specific to the manufacturer rather than relying exclusively on generic production assumptions.
The programme reported that actions to limit the climate impact of vehicle and battery manufacturing contributed to a full 10-point score in the Greenhouse Gas Index.
Assessment covers the complete vehicle life cycle
The sustainability assessment includes raw-material sourcing, vehicle and battery manufacturing, distribution and use. The programme also considered the effect of electricity generation on an electric vehicle’s life-cycle environmental performance.
Green NCAP’s 29 October announcement also includes new sustainability assessments for the BYD Dolphin Surf, Suzuki e Vitara and diesel-powered Volkswagen Golf. It compares the environmental profile of the battery-electric Model Y with that of the petrol-powered Volkswagen Tayron, a vehicle of comparable size.
The five-star sustainability result is an environmental rating and should not be confused with Euro NCAP’s separate crash-safety rating programme.
Reporting based on Green NCAP’s 29 October 2026 release and published Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive assessment.
