Range     

There are currently three models to choose from. The standard model (simply called Model 3) has only two drive wheels (the rears) and one motor. It also makes do with a smaller battery but is still an impressive alternative to a prestige diesel car such as a BMW 3-Series.

The Model 3 Long Range has a bigger battery, which should mean you can drive for over 300 miles (real-world) between charges. It also adds another motor powering the front wheels to give four-wheel-drive, and a posher interior with luxury seat trim. At the top of range is the Model 3 Performance, with supercar-beating acceleration, 20-inch wheels and even more technology; Tesla claims 340 miles for the Performance.

Battery 

You can get two battery capacities in the Model 3: a 55kWh for the standard model and the bigger 75kWh unit fitted to the Long Range and the Performance models. Both are simplified versions of the batteries fitted to the established Tesla Model S and Model X. Think carefully about which you choose and how much range you really need, as the cost jump from the standard model to the Long Range is a whopping £9,000 - that’s a big price to pay if you aren’t using the extra range regularly - especially since the average car journey in the UK is only 8.2 miles! 

Charging

The Tesla Supercharger charging network is substantial and is one of the main reasons why so many buyers choose the brand. You’ll have to pay to use them, but the costs are reasonable and the billing is easy. In addition, the Model 3 can also use other CCS-type rapid chargers, expanding the number of places you can fast charge the car into the thousands.

It will take up to 30 minutes to charge your car from 10% to 80% on the Tesla Supercharging network, while a charge on a 7.2kW home charging unit will take around 7 hours.