Range     

There are currently two models to choose from. The standard model (simply called Model 3) uses a single electric motor driving the rear wheels. It also makes do with a smaller battery compared with the other two versions, but it is still an impressive alternative to a prestige petrol or diesel car such as a BMW 3 Series. Maximum range stands at 310 miles, up slightly from the older version thanks to efficiency and aerodynamic improvements. 

The Model 3 Long Range has a bigger battery, which should mean you can drive for over 300 miles (real-world) between charges against an official range of 390 miles - that's one of the longest of any electric car. It also adds another motor powering the front wheels to give four-wheel-drive, and a posher interior with luxury seat trim. We are being kept waiting for the top of range is Model 3 Performance, but expect it to be faster and more efficient than the old version.

Battery 

Tesla doesn't officially publish its battery capacities, but it's accepted that a 55kWh battery pack powers the standard model with a bigger 75kWh unit fitted to the Long Range and the Performance models. Both are smaller versions of the batteries fitted to the larger Tesla Model S saloon and Model X SUV. 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 £10,000 - 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, reaching every corner of the UK and covering nearly every major road and motorway. It is one of the main reasons why so many buyers choose a Tesla. 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. Put simply, only other Tesla models have quite so many options when it comes to roadside charging. 

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.