The Model S and Model X may have put Tesla on the map, but the Model 3 was the first car launched by the brand with real-world affordability in mind. This compact luxury sedan first hit the market in 2017 and has been making all-electric shockwaves in its class ever since.
The Tesla Model 3 has a maximum driving range of 358 miles. You’ll have to opt for the mid-tier Long Range trim powered by an 82 kWh battery to take advantage of this top-of-the-class distance. The top-tier Performance trim shares this battery with the Long Range Model 3, but it maxes out at 315 miles. The entry-level Rear Wheel Drive trim runs on a 62.3 kWh battery for a standard driving range of 272 miles.
Given the extra-long driving ranges of any one of the Model 3’s trims, you can easily drive up to 50 miles a day for 5 to 7 days without having to charge. Add that to the mere fact that you’re parking an industry-shaping Tesla in your driveway and you’re looking at an EV with exceptional value no matter what trim you choose.
2022 Tesla Model 3 charging time and fuel economy
The Tesla Model 3’s impressive driving range is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what makes an electric car worth your while. You’ll also need to consider charging time at home and on the road to make sure your EV fits your lifestyle.
Charging your Model 3 from empty with a standard 120-volt wall outlet will take over 24 hours. A 240-volt connection, however, can recharge your Model 3 in 8 to 10 hours, or you can install a Tesla Wall Connector to achieve the same effect depending on your exact power supply and trim. Charging on the go at a Tesla Supercharger only takes 15 minutes to replenish 175 miles of driving range.
The entry-level Model 3’s fuel economy is rated for 138 MPGe city/126 MPGe highway/132 MPGe combined by the EPA. The Long Range Model 3 performs similarly at 134 city/126 highway/131 combined, but the Performance sees these numbers fall to 118/107/113.
How does the Tesla Model 3 compare to its competitors?
The electric car market has grown slowly but surely since the Tesla Model S broke the ice in 2012. Today, the Tesla Model 3 is up against competitors like the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Kona, Kia EV6, and Jaguar I-PACE.
While the Tesla Model 3 comes with some higher upfront costs than most of these competitors, you can tell it's worth it in driving range, performance, long-term affordability, and safety ratings. You’ll have to dish out an additional $9,000 to take advantage of the Long Range’s 358 miles, but even the entry-level Model 3 can outshine its competitors across the board.
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