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Tesla Model 3: Overview and Costs

Tesla Model 3: Overview and Costs

All about the Tesla Model 3. What they cost to buy when new and the expected costs of ownership.

By Gary Smith (Contributing Writer) | Published on February 8th, 2021 | Last Updated on
By Gary Smith (Contributing Writer)
Published on February 8th, 2021. Last Updated on .

Tesla has changed the game when it comes to battery powered vehicles. In a world full of EV vehicles that take on some not-so-attractive body styles, Tesla has made an attractive electric vehicle that mixes sporty styling with high-level performance. Today, we are going to look at what makes the Tesla Model 3 so attractive and what you can expect to pay for this vehicle when new and for years to come.

What Is The Tesla Model 3

The Model 3 was one of Tesla’s first vehicles to hit the market, making a big entrance as it looked much nicer than most EVs available at the time. It is offered in three different trim levels and is available in 4 door models only. With the newest 2021 hitting dealerships already, we have seen that the Model 3 showcases some similar styling from the Model S sedan and the Model X SUV. One of the most sought after features is going to be the all-glass roof, giving you a unique view of the sky above. Let’s break down some of the top features to give you a better idea of what to expect from the new Tesla Model 3.

Safety

Elon Musk, the owner of Tesla, preaches safety in each of his vehicles and puts the safety of his vehicles at the forefront of manufacturing. The Tesla Model 3 will come with a 5 star overall NHTSA rating, surpassing many vehicles in its market. Made from a combination of aluminum and steel, the entire structure was designed for maximum strength in every area. Tesla conducted a roof-crush test with it’s all glass roof and the Model 3 was able to resist four-times its own mass. To put this into perspective, this is equivalent to the weight of two fully-grown African elephants.

Performance

Performance is one of the most impressive things to come from all of Tesla’s vehicles. Usually when you think of electric vehicles, you think about small, commuter cars that are driven conservatively around town. The engineers at Tesla went the opposite direction and made sure their vehicles performed like their gas-driven equivalents. The 2021 Model 3 is going to have a 3.1 second 0-60mph, putting it right in line with some of the newer Chevrolet Corvette ZR1s. This type of performance from an electric vehicle that is priced competitively with gasoline vehicles was unheard of before the Tesla Model 3. Here is a review that does a great job of showcasing this "ludicrous" acceleration:

Range

When it comes to purchasing a vehicle for fuel efficiency, gasoline engines are measured in miles-per-gallon. This is a measurement of how many miles you can travel with each gallon of gasoline. With electric vehicles, this will be measured in “range”, referring to the amount of miles you can travel on a single charge. By charging your Model 3 every night, you can usually commute to work and back without having to recharge. The Model 3 is going to have a range between 263-253 miles, depending on which trim level you choose. With over 20,000 superchargers worldwide, you can travel to just about anywhere you need to go without having to worry about being without a charger.

Auto Pilot

Auto-pilot is one of the most technologically advanced features of the Tesla Model 3. There have always been talks about cars that drive themselves in the future and while it has always been sort of an ongoing joke, the future is now. Tesla’s auto-pilot feature allows you to allow your Model 3 to drive itself, even in traffic. This is made possible through 360° rear, side, and forward facing cameras, 160m forward-facing radar to provide long-range views of distant objects, and 12 ultrasonic sensors to detect nearby cars.

Interior

When taking a look at the design of the Tesla Model 3, the interior is one of the most fascinating aspects of the entire vehicle. With a car this advanced, you would expect an interior full of fancy gadgets, but you will get the exact opposite. The sleek, minimalist exterior design is carried over to the interior of the Model 3. The first thing you will notice is the massive 15” touchscreen display that is designed to improve over time. This display features all of the control points you need to monitor all of your vehicle's important diagnostics. Over the air software updates allow you to get new features and performance updates on the fly. With a full front to back all-glass roof, you get a feeling of openness unlike any other car you have been in.

Tesla Model 3 Costs/Options/Specs

With the Model 3, you will have three different models to choose from: Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the high level specs on each to give you a better idea of how much each is going to cost and what you will get at each level.

  Standard Range Plus Long Range Performance

Cost

$37,990

$46,990

$54,990

Range

263 Miles

353 Miles

315 Miles

Seats

5

5

5

0-60

5.3 Seconds

4.2 Seconds

3.1 Seconds

Weight

3,582

4,065

4,065

Cargo

15 Cu Ft

15 Cu Ft

15 Cu Ft

 Build your own Model 3 here: https://www.tesla.com/model3/design

Model 3 Ownership Costs

Like all vehicles, the sales price is only the initial cost. We've compiled a list of the costs of owning Model 3 for the next 5 years:

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