Introduction to Tesla Model 3
The market for electric vehicles has been swelling with models recently, but none have quite reached that people’s car status quite like the Tesla Model 3. By combining opulence with efficacy and reasonable prices, the Model 3 revolutionized the category of vehicles and made manufacturers look for more environmentally friendly solutions.
Now let’s discuss what makes Model 3 special and competitive in comparison to other EVs and whether this car is worthy to become the keynote of Elon Musk’s Tesla company.
How Tesla’s EVs Have Affected the Industry
One can simply talk about electric cars today and instantly refer to Tesla headed by Elon Musk, a tech visionary who changed the automotive world and the Automotive industry at large. The company has been committed to the principles of innovation, sustainability, and a premium design to establish the feasibility of EVs to be a sustainable means of practical transportation.
The Volkswagen group also transitioned from small cars to full size cars to SUVs to full electric cars with the release of the Tesla Model 3. However, unlike later models such as the Model 3, the premium models lay out an equation of speed, efficiency and sustainability that is within a broader base of affordability. This pioneering model created a way for more car manufacturers to start funding and bringing out their own EV models that would significantly impact on the transportation industry.
Tesla Model 3 Specifications
Here’s a specification table for the Tesla Model 3, updated to reflect its current features:
| Feature | Tesla Model 3 RWD | Tesla Model 3 Long Range | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Starting) | ~$39,990 | ~$47,990 | ~$53,990 |
| Battery | 57.5 kWh LFP | 82 kWh | 82 kWh |
| Range (EPA-est.) | 272 miles (437 km) | 333 miles (536 km) | 315 miles (507 km) |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Dual Motor AWD | Dual Motor AWD |
| 0-60 mph | 5.8 seconds | 4.2 seconds | 3.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 140 mph (225 km/h) | 145 mph (233 km/h) | 162 mph (261 km/h) |
| Power | ~283 hp | ~346 hp | ~450 hp |
| Wheels | 18″/19″ | 18″/19″ | 20″ |
| Interior | Premium Partial | Premium | Premium |
| Infotainment | 15″ Touchscreen | 15″ Touchscreen | 15″ Touchscreen |
| Autopilot | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Full Self-Driving (FSD) | Optional ($15,000) | Optional ($15,000) | Optional ($15,000) |
| Charging | 250 kW Max Supercharging | 250 kW Max Supercharging | 250 kW Max Supercharging |
| Curb Weight | 3,862 lbs (1,751 kg) | 4,034 lbs (1,830 kg) | 4,048 lbs (1,836 kg) |
| Cargo Space | 23 cu ft (652 L) | 23 cu ft (652 L) | 23 cu ft (652 L) |
| Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/100,000 miles | 8 years/120,000 miles | 8 years/120,000 miles |
Prices and specifications may vary by region and configuration.
Key Features of Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 is a compact car with significant range, the finest technologies, and futuristic looks. Let’s look at some of the key features offered by Tesla.
New Technologies and Security Solutions
Thanks to state-of-the-art technology the Tesla Model 3 comes equipped with unparalleled safety features making it a new trendsetter in electric vehicle production.
Touch Screen: The interactive touch screen that is arranged on the central console successfully unites and manages navigation, entertainment, and management of the car’s functions guaranteeing the convenient control of the vehicle.
Autopilot: While the Model 3 is equipped with fully self-driving features, Autopilot system brings this compelling vehicle’s safety and comfort to a new level. The world’s most innovative system with cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radar, it offers adaptive cruise control, automatically emergency braking, and assistance at keeping the car in the right lane. Nevertheless, to use Autopilot, one must keep one’s hands on the wheel and avoid dozing off; nevertheless, the system does help to alleviate the stress of long driving and increase the general safety level in traffic.
Safety: Apart from an exceptional piece of technology, the Model 3 has also prioritized the health of the passengers. Whereas the car body shell has been designed to withstand the impact force of an accident by maintaining immense strength and stiffness, the numerous available airbags combine to offer superior occupant protection. Not only does it have a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), putting it one of the safest vehicles on the road.
Design and Interior
The Tesla Model 3 has a dynamic and sporty look with unmistakable aerodynamic design and stunning lines throughout the car. The car’s dimensions seem to be anachronous; slimmer, wider and lower to the ground with optional wide fenders – all of which underlines the theme of high performance. Taut lines and an absence of such cliché features as a boomerang windscreen lend the Model 3 elegance, and the Panoramic Glass Roof makes the interior as bright as one might have expected in a convertible.
Besides the beautiful look, the lower drag coefficient of the Model 3 proved to be an essential factor in its high efficiency. The streamlined vehicle design, coupled with strategically fabricated under-body panels, help in reducing the overall drag and dragging coefficient as a result of which it has an enhanced range as well as speed profile at very high velocities. Much of this attention to reducing the car’s frontal area contributes to Model 3’s excellent handling and also reaffirms Tesla’s vision of building beautiful EVs that serve a purpose.
Performance
In a nutshell, there is phenomenal power or acceleration and immediacy to the Model 3 that is entirely unexpected from an electric car. The long-range variant sports an electric dual-motor all-wheel drive system that delivers 426 horsepower and 471 lb-ft of torque to get the car from rest to 60 mph in 4. 2 seconds. The Performance model on the other hand builds upon the Model 3’s performance to achieve 520 horsepower with a 3.1 seconds 0-60 mph.
The Model 3 produces immediate torque, and does not have the characteristic dip, which makes it very obedient and fun to operate. The car performs commendably well both in the city and on the highway: the handling is balanced and the ride comfortable and noiseless. Despite what out everyone makes of Tesla’s highly touted regenerative braking system which integrates in their cars, it also helps in supporting not only the efficiency of the car, but also the driver’s experience by allowing the car to slow down smoothly and gradually.
Range and Efficiency
Another often cited issue regarding EVs is range anxiety and while the Model 3 has received a number of issues, it has been keen to downplay those concerns.
Range: Extended range Model 3 has 353 miles of the range between charges, while the Standard Range Plus is capable of 263 miles. These are impressive numbers which put the company in a different league, providing the Model 3 with one of the longest ranges of all the available electric vehicles.
Efficiency: The long-range version has an EPA estimated 130 MPGe in the city and 119 MPGe on the highway whereas the standard range has an efficiency of 120 MPGe city and 99 MPGe highway. The Model 3 is highly efficient and as such has a very low energy consumption, but it can go a very long distance.
Charging Infrastructure
Of course, one of the biggest advantages of the Tesla Model 3 is the impressive range the car can achieve, surpassing many of the competitors in the market. The long-range version can cover up to 353 miles on the road, as the Performance version is capable of record acceleration and 315 miles of range.
It is charging a breeze for Model 3, given the availability of Tesla supercharger, and home charging connection. Currently, Tesla’s network of Supercharger has grown to over 25,000 across the globe, making it easier and less a problem for Tesla car owners to charge their cars whenever they are on the move. In addition, the Model 3 has an excellent onboard charger and a good wall connector which enable more efficient charge at home.
Budget-Friendly EV Car
There is perhaps no better argument for why the Tesla Model 3 will remain in demand forever than that the car is affordable — or is, at least, if the total cost of a car is considered. But even if the Model 3 Standard Range Plus starts at about $40,000, the Long Range and Performance variants are even more reasonable if you want luxury for a price of a mid-tier base model car.
TCO for the Model 3 is considerably lower than for conventional internal combustion engine vehicles mainly because there is no need for oil changes, spark plugs, and other regular services. Moreover, Tesla cars are equipped with an impressive warranty that includes battery or power loss and other parts, so the owner feels safe and protected.
On the cost of electricity to gasoline scale, the operating costs of Model 3 are incredibly efficient. Currently, the price of gasoline per gallon is $1.75 in the United States but the price of electricity differs with region. Nevertheless, even should there be relatively inflated electricity rates, it will be cheaper to charge a Tesla Model 3 than to refuel a car.
Drawbacks and Considerations
Yet, like virtually all cars, the Tesla Model 3 has its weaknesses. First, the Model 3 is somewhat problematic in terms of its software with some infotainment changes making things worse instead of better after an update. Moreover, Tesla’s service centers are of varying quality and range in the service they can offer, and this can be an issue for some buyers.
The issue of vehicle automation is another: Despite the addition of features like Autopilot, self-driving features are somewhat curtailed in Model 3. The driver must always be in alert as they assumes responsibility of driving this vehicle at any point in given time.
Conclusion
By delivering strong performance and efficiency at a reasonable price, the updated Tesla Model 3 is a revolutionary vehicle alternative to the conventional. It is ‘eye-catching’ in design, has a sumptuous interior and affords a wide range of ability; all of which should appeal to environmentally aware consumers in search of a well-built, high-capacity automobile.
Model 3 has software problems and uneven support, but it’s a powerful player in the EV world. Adding on to the ever-growing supercharger stations, growth in public charging stations and the adoption of electric vehicles in the future, Tesla Model 3 is an investment today for tomorrow’s roads.
In the future of more sustainable environment cars such as Tesla Model 3 will remain more relevant globally. With the Model 3 Tesla has thus created a car that is more affordable, yet as good as premium cars, and at the same time friendly to the environment.
