On 29 October 2026, Green NCAP, the European programme that assesses the environmental performance of cars and works in tandem with Euro NCAP, awarded the rear-wheel-drive version of the Tesla Model Y the maximum: five stars and 93 percent in its Sustainability Rating. The method itself matters more. For the first time, Tesla provided the programme with detailed data on the vehicle's life cycle, so the assessment rests on verified figures rather than averaged industry assumptions. Raw material extraction, production, logistics and everyday operation of the car were all taken into account.
The model is built at the Giga Berlin plant near Berlin, has a battery with a capacity of 62,6 kWh and a mass of around 1,9 tonnes. The total carbon footprint over the entire life cycle came to 95 grams of CO₂ equivalent per kilometre. This is the lowest figure Green NCAP has published in the entire history of its observations. Despite its considerable weight, the car received the maximum 10 points out of 10 for greenhouse gases. The experts noted the efficient heat pump and good cabin insulation, which reduce energy consumption for heating and air conditioning.
For scale, it is worth comparing the Model Y with cars from the same test series. The Volkswagen Tayron 1.5 eTSI DSG, a crossover with a mild-hybrid petrol powertrain, scored 41 percent and 2,5 stars at 263 grams of CO₂ equivalent per kilometre, that is, almost three times more than the Tesla. The BYD Dolphin Surf, assembled in China, received 96 percent, three points higher than the Model Y. However, Green NCAP assessed it cautiously: the experts had no verified data on the production of this car, and they used generalised figures. The Suzuki e Vitara received 4,5 stars and 87 percent, and generalised production data were likewise used for it. The best among cars with an internal combustion engine was the diesel Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI with 69 percent. It fell one point short of four stars, for which 70 percent is required.
Green NCAP's experts particularly noted Tesla's openness. According to Alexander Damyanov, the programme's technical manager, the company deserves praise for transparently disclosing data on the production of the car and its battery. Thanks to this, it was possible to take into account the real efforts to reduce emissions at the assembly plant in Germany rather than limiting the assessment to industry averages. The final score, however, was shaped not only by emissions: in the features category, the Model Y did not receive additional points for the capabilities that BYD offers, such as the Vehicle-to-Load function, which allows external devices to be powered from the battery.
The result is especially important for Europe. According to Green NCAP, the Model Y was the best-selling new electric car in Europe and in the world in 2025, with around 150 thousand European drivers buying it. It follows that even a large family crossover can leave a noticeably smaller carbon footprint than a comparable petrol car if one takes into account not only exhaust emissions but the car's entire journey from the factory to the road. The buyer gets a practical car and an independent assessment of its climate impact over its entire service life.
