Tesla Model 3 Review
A guide and review of the Tesla Model 3 range (2021) to help give a complete overview of the vehicle and what you can expect. Be in the know about everything from the car itself to the Tesla Model 3’s running costs and charging times.
Last updated: Dec 06, 2024 • 11 min read
KEY STATS
Range (WLTP):
278 - 360 miles
Electric cost/mile:
6.19p - 7.29p
Rapid charge:
Yes
EV type:
Battery electric
Tesla Model 3 Review
A phenomenal success from its launch event in 2016 to its emergence since 2017, the Tesla Model 3 takes much of the functionality of the Tesla Model S and makes it affordable to a great deal more wallets. This is the car that Tesla believes will take electric motoring to mass market - we think they're right. With its powerful performance, rapid acceleration, and sizeable real-world range, the Tesla Model 3 is perfect for those looking to make the switch from petrol to electric (or those already well immersed within the EV world)!
While the standard entry model already comes with everything you would need for a smooth and enjoyable ride, there are plenty of upgrades available to add to your Tesla to make it even better with options ranging from self-driving to a performance upgrade. The below guide shows data ranges for the currently available Tesla Model 3 variants available, specs will depend on your selected configuration. A key feature that is sure to delight drivers is the vehicle's acceleration, with the Tesla Model 3 reaching 0-60mph in only 3.1 seconds! Not only that, but range anxiety can take a back seat in this one as depending on weather conditions, this Tesla model has an electric range of up to 360 miles. Lastly, we’ve already mentioned how this is Tesla’s answer to the industry's plea for more affordable yet powerful electric vehicles, but with the Tesla Model 3 price coming in just above £40,000 for the base model, they’ve certainly delivered where other high-end competitors can’t.
Our Tesla Model 3 review shows why this fully electric car could be the perfect fit for you, but don’t just take our word for it! Read the Model 3’s stats and specs below to see how it could fit with your lifestyle.
Tesla Model 3 Charging Details
Charging time for a Tesla Model 3
The table below shows the estimated time to charge your Tesla Model 3 from empty to full. For rapid charging, we show the time to charge from 20% - 80%, as charging tends to slow outside this range to protect the battery.
| Charging method | Typically found at | Charging time* | Range/hour** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empty to full | |||
| 3-pin plug | Home | 24 - 36 h | 9 - 10 m/h |
| 3.6kW | Home / Work | 15 - 22 h | 14 - 17 m/h |
| 7kW | Home / Work / Public Locations | 8 - 12 h | 27 - 32 m/h |
| 22kW | Work / Public Locations | 5 - 8 h | 42 - 50 m/h |
| 20%-80% | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 50kW | Public Locations | 40 - 60 min | 96 - 113 m/30 min |
| 150kW | Public Locations | 20 min | 288 - 339 m/30 min |
* Based on Pod Point estimates, charging time can differ based on the ambient temperature, the state of the battery (e.g. empty or half full) and variation in charging rate. Max charging rate may also be limited by the vehicle.
** Range per hour is the number of miles you can expect to get from an hour of charging at the relevant rate.
Connector type and charging rates
You can charge your Tesla Model 3 with a Type 2 connector at home, work or at a public charging point. There is also a CCS connector for rapid charging.
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Where you can charge a Tesla Model 3
You can charge your Tesla Model 3 conveniently at home, plug-in when you arrive at work or top up when you're out and about at locations including supermarkets and public car parks.
At Home
7kW Solo Charger Find out more about Smart Home Charging |
At Work
7kW Solo Charger* |
Built Environment Charging
7kW Solo or Twin Charger |
On Public Networks
7kW Solo Charger & Rapid Charging** |
* Other charging options are also available, speak to our team for more information.
** Available for vehicles with either CCS or CHAdeMO connectors.
Cost to charge
Cost of charging a Tesla Model 3
The cost of charging your Tesla will vary between home, work and public chargepoints (below are our estimates). Charging your Tesla on the Pod Point Network can be accessed through the Pod Point App.
| Place | Avg. cost | Cost/mile |
|---|---|---|
| Home (empty to full)* | £14.63 - £21.81 | 6.19p - 7.29p |
| Public rapid chargers (20%-80%)** | £13.79 - £20.57 | 9.73p - 11.46p |
* Assumes tariff of 28p/kWh. The cost of home charging will vary depending on your electricity rate.
** Assumes tariff of 44p/kWh applicable to most network rapid chargers as of April 2022.
Pod Point home chargers are easy to use, and are fully compatible with the entire Tesla range of electric vehicles. Get a quote today.
Tesla Model 3 Vehicle Specs
Range
Tesla's are known to shine when it comes to EV range and the Model 3 is no different. While it may have a slightly smaller range than the Model S, the Model 3 still boasts up to 360 miles, and we think you’ll hardly notice the difference! Plus, the Tesla Model 3 is far cheaper than the Model S, X, or Y, despite having the second highest range.
| Official range (WLTP*) | 278 - 360 miles |
| Pod Point Confidence Range** | 236 - 306 miles |
* For more information on "WLTP", "NEDC" and more, please visit our Electric Vehicle Dictionary.
** Pod Point Confidence Range is the maximum distance we’d be confident driving on electric power between charges. Real range will depend on various factors including driving conditions, personal driving style, outside temperature, heating / air conditioning, etc.
Performance
With its top speed around 162mph, you really don’t have to worry about losing performance capabilities with your Tesla Model 3 compared to a petrol or diesel engine. There’s no doubt that this is a fast car, especially as the Model 3 base model alone can reach 0-60mph in just 5.8 seconds! Not fast enough for you? An upgraded Long Range Dual Motor model can have your Tesla Model 3 reaching 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds - not bad for an electric car!
| 0-60 mph | 3.1 - 5.8 seconds |
| Top speed | 140 - 162 mph |
| Engine power | 271 - 554 bhp / 202 - 413 kW |
| Torque | 404 - 660 Nm |
Battery
| Battery size | 55 - 82 kWh |
| Usable battery (Pod Point estimate) | 52 - 78 kWh |
| Official battery efficiency (WLTP) | 229 - 266 Wh/mile |
| Battery efficiency (Pod Point estimate) | 221 - 260 Wh/mile |
Environmental impact
| Official MPG (WLTP) | N/A |
| Official CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 0 gCO2/km |
| CO2 emissions from UK grid electricity usage (Pod Point calculated)* | 26 - 30 gCO2/km |
* This metric estimates the environmental impact of driving your electric vehicle based on how the electricity that powers your car is generated. We take the average carbon intensity across the UK grid measured throughout 2021 to calculate the expected grams of CO2 emitted per 1 km driven. The actual number will vary by region, when you charge (e.g. carbon intensity is usually lower overnight period) and whether your electricity comes from more renewable sources than the average.
Purchase, Tax & Grants
The Tesla Model 3 is only eligible for the EV chargepoint grant, but you will benefit from £0 year 1 road tax and £0 London Congestion Charge.
Purchase
| Tesla Model 3 price* | From £40,935 |
* On-the-road price including Plug-in Grant, if applicable.
Tesla Model 3 Tax
| Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | £0 |
| Years 2-5 | £0 |
| Benefit in Kind (BiK) tax year | BiK tax rate | Annual BiK value |
|---|---|---|
| For cars registered after 6 April 2020 | ||
| 22/23 | 2% | From £818 |
| 23/24 | 2% | From £818 |
| 24/25 | 2% | From £818 |
* For further information including how to calculate personal BiK liabilities, please visit our Electric Car Tax guide.
| Local taxes | Amount |
|---|---|
| London Congestion Zone Charge* | £0 |
| Ultra Low Emission Zone Charge** | £0 |
* A £10 annual registration fee will still apply to each vehicle.
** For further information on London's Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), please visit our ULEZ guide.
| Insurance | |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 Insurance group | 48-50 |
Grants available for the Tesla Model 3*
| Grant name | Eligibility | Amount | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| OZEV EV chargepoint grant | ✔ | £350 | Can be used to reduce the cost of a home charger with installation |
| OZEV Plug-in Grant | ✘ | £0 | Used to reduce the cost of the vehicle |
| EST Domestic Charge Point Grant (currently unavailable) | ✔ | £300 | Can be used in Scotland in addition to the EV chargepoint grant to reduce the cost of a home charger with installation |
* Prices for vehicles are typically displayed with the Plug-in grant discount already applied. Home charging grants are dependent on status of the grant, and subject to eligibility requirements of the applicant as well as the vehicle.
Pros and cons of a Tesla Model 3
Overall, the Tesla Model 3 is an impressive EV that balances performance and price well, offering long-time EV enthusiasts and newbies alike great features and a sleek look.
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Rapid charge enabled | ✘ High insurance group rating |
| ✔ Above average range (WLTP) of up to 360 miles | |
| ✔ Cost per mile comparable with other saloon-style cars | |
| ✔ Cheaper than Tesla Model S | |
| ✔ Top speed of up to 162 mph | |
| ✔ No road tax, London Congestion Charge or ULEZ charge | |
| ✔ Competitive price for features and spec | |
| Pod Point rating: | 4.5 out of 5 |
Pod Point home chargers are easy to use, and are fully compatible with the entire Tesla range of electric vehicles. Get a quote today.
Want to browse more of Tesla’s range? We’ve got you covered:
Take a look at our Tesla Model S review for another saloon-style car, but this one’s supercharged with top specs.
Want more space at a similar price range? See our detailed review of the Tesla Model Y.
Turning it up a notch, the Model X offers everything you want from an SUV, with top range and speed for its class. Read our Tesla Model X review to find out more.