A few years ago, the word in everyone’s mouth was that electric vehicles are the future. Now though, electric vehicles are not just the future but they are the present as well. Leading the charge in the electric vehicle segment is Tesla. The concept of electric vehicles is more than a hundred years old, however, it was Tesla that revolutionised this industry.
Tesla was established in 2003 and its first car – the Tesla Roadster – was unveiled in 2006. While the Tesla Roadster was a revolutionary car in itself, it wasn’t until the ‘Model’ series of cars was launched, that Tesla truly turned into what it is today. The Tesla Model S & Model X were launched in 2012 and 2015 respectively.
However, it was the Tesla Model 3 that truly started bringing in the volumes. Introduced in 2016, the Tesla Model 3 would go on to become the best-selling electric vehicle in the world for two years. Here’s all you need to know about the Tesla Model 3.
Tesla Model 3 History & Heritage
Anyone in the know about Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk would know that the brand and its CEO both love breaking stereotypes. Great electric vehicles are known to be quite expensive to purchase and Tesla’s first three EVs were no different.
The Tesla Roadster was priced between $80,000 (AED 293,000) & $120,000 (AED 440,000). This was a big price back in 2006 and still is even today. The starting price for the Model S was $97,000 (AED 356,000) and it was $132,000 (AED 484,000) for the Model X. While the slightly wealthier class of buyers certainly didn’t mind these cars, mainstream buyers stayed away. This was exactly what the Tesla Model 3 intended to change.
From the very start, the Tesla Model 3 was designed as a more affordable Tesla. It was supposed to be more affordable while still carrying impressive performance and a decent amount of range, which is what Tesla is known for.
Tesla Model 3 Development, Launch & Pricing
Development of the Tesla Model 3 began around 2013 when CEO Elon Musk promised a more affordable Tesla. Back then, it was rumoured that the new EV would be called the Model E, and Elon Musk had promised that it would arrive in 2016 at a significantly cheaper price than the Model S. It was intended to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Bolt & Nissan Leaf.
It was first unveiled on 31 March 2016. At the unveiling event, Elon Musk said the Model 3 would have at least 215 miles (346 kilometres) of range and would have a starting price of just $35,000 (128,000) which is a steal compared to the other Tesla models. Needless to say, bookings and reservations for the Model 3 came flowing in.
Just a week after the unveiling event, Tesla announced that the Model 3 had received over 325,000 reservations. However, deliveries were delayed for over a year, as production only began in 2017.
Tesla Model 3 Performance, Range & Charging
When it was first launched, the base RWD variant of the Model 3 had a claimed range of around 381 kilometres. Since then though, things have changed quite drastically. Here are the models of the Tesla Model 3 available currently.
Standard Range RWD
Introduced in 2021, the rear-wheel-drive standard range model is now the base variant of the Model 3. It features a 60kWh battery pack that powers a 279hp motor at the rear axle. It supports DC charging of up to 170kW and AC charging of up to 240V. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is done within just 5.8 seconds and it will go on to a top speed of 225km/h. It has a claimed range of 491 kilometres.
Long Range AWD
Introduced in 2018, the all-wheel-drive long-range model is the mid variant of the Model 3. It features an 82kWh battery pack that powers two electric motors. Together, they produce 346hp and 510Nm. It supports DC charging of up to 250kW and AC charging of 240V and 48A. The 0-100km/h sprint is done within just 4.2 seconds and it will go on to touch a top speed of 233km/h. The claimed range of this variant is 614 kilometers.
Long Range AWD Performance
This is the top-spec variant in the Model 3 lineup and as the name suggests, is designed for more performance. It features an 82kWh battery pack that powers two electric motors with a combined output of 450hp and 639Nm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes just 3.1 seconds and the claimed top speed stands at 261km/h. Tesla claims this variant has a range of 567 kilometres.
Tesla Model 3 Achievements & Records
Thanks to the affordable pricing, the Tesla Model 3 would go on to become the best-selling EV in the world during 2020 and 2021. In 2022, the Model 3 still stood in second place on the Global sales charts, dethroned only by the Tesla Model Y. For reference, here is a list of the best-selling electric vehicles in the world.
In 2019, the Tesla Model 3 took the record for the longest distance traveled by an EV in 24 hours by clocking 2,781 kilometres. In 2021, the Tesla Model 3 became the first electric car in the world to surpass a sales figure of 1 million units. The Model 3 even topped regional sales charts. It was the best-selling EV in the US in 2018, 2019 & 2020. It held the title in Europe in 2019, and in China in 2020.
In the UAE too, the Tesla Model is a very popular car. Soaring environmental awareness rates have persuaded motorists to switch to EVs & Hybrids. If you’re interested in buying a Tesla too, here are a few examples of used Tesla Model 3 for sale in the UAE and new Tesla Model 3 for sale in the UAE.
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