Introduced for 2017, the Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s least expensive vehicle and the second sedan following the larger Tesla Model S and its 3^rd model after the introduction of the Tesla Model X SUV. Billed as Tesla’s compact-sized sedan for the masses, the model was introduced in a Long Range rear-wheel drive (RWD) model and had expanded over the years to include Standard Range, Standard Range Plus, Middle Range and Performance models with varying degrees of single and dual motor options. In January 2024, Tesla expanded the refreshed Model 3, codenamed “Highland” for North American availability, available in standard range RWD and Long Range all-wheel drive (AWD) models.  

 

The 2024 refresh of the Model 3 can be described as both  simplifying and refining the design, removing certain driver features such as the gear stalk wood accents while adding speakers, a larger rear trunk and an additional 8 inch screen for rear passengers. With the combination of a price roughly half that of the larger Model S with the same DC fast charging rate, similar interior incorporating the large 15.4” center screen, and performance rivaling luxury competition in the BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Model 3 became the best-selling plug-in electric vehicle (EV) worldwide from 2018-2020, only being overtaken by its Model Y sibling.

Starting in 2022, EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) became eligible for federal tax credits up to $7,500 for new EVs and PHEVS and up to $4,000 for used clean vehicles that met certain battery production and materials requirements. While the the Tesla Model 3 qualified for the tax credit in 2023, it lost incentive qualification for all pre-refresh 2024 models, including the Highland Model 3, except for the Performance trim in 2024.

While battery options have fluctuated over the years, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 offers either 57.5 kWh in Standard Range and 75 kWh of battery capacity in Long Range and Performance configurations. Standard Range models are able to go over 272 miles on onecharge for a 132 MPGe equivalent, while Long Range can go 333 miles and Performance models can achieve 310 miles on a single charge resulting in 131 and 113 MPGe ratings respectively. These ratings make the Standard Range and Long Range models some of the most efficient EVs on the road.

 

Standard Range models able to charge fast  at 170 kW and Long Range and Performance models can charge at 250 kW in public. However, he majority of EV charging takes place at home. Using a 48-amp home charger like the JuiceBox 48, Model 3 drivers can take full advantage of its 11.5 kW onboard charger. This allows Tesla owners to add about 30 to 35 miles of range in an hour. Home charging with this Level 2 Tesla EV charger allows for faster charging from the convenience of your own home and offers more rapid charging options than just a public charging station or Tesla supercharger. A complete charging session from nearly empty to full for the Standard Range Plus version takes about 7 hours.