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Tesla Model 3 (GEN1)

Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) is an all-electric sedan with a WLTP range of up to 495 km (308 miles). EVKX.net has all the details.

We’ve organized this article into specific sections for easier navigation. Click the links below to jump to different areas or read on for the full article. Additionally, we offer an overview of the full specifications, an image gallery, detailed information about charging performance, and some online reviews. Our sections include:

• Performance
• Battery, Range, and Charging
• Drivetrain (suspension, brakes, steering)
• Exterior (paint colors, wheels ++)
• Interior (seats++)
• User interface and control
• Infotainment
• Lights
• Advanced driver-assistance systems
• Cargo Capacity and Towing Ability

Performance

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) offers modest performance with a maximum power of 208 kW (283 hp / 279 bhp) and a total torque of 420 Nm (310 lb-ft). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph), aligning more closely with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

Battery, Range, and Charging

The high-capacity battery has a gross capacity of 60.0 kWh and a net usable capacity of 59.0 kWh, providing a 1.0 kWh buffer (1.7%) for battery protection. With a nominal voltage of 340 volts, the system is classified as a 400-volt battery system, aligning with industry standards. The Lithium-Ion battery utilizes LFP technology, offering both benefits and drawbacks compared to typical NCA/NMC batteries.

Under the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) standard, the vehicle’s range varies between 495 to 491 km (308-305 miles), depending on the specific configuration and options, such as wheel size. Larger wheels can increase energy consumption and subsequently reduce the overall range. The vehicle’s energy consumption is rated at 11.9 kWh/100 km for the base model and 12.0 kWh/100 km for the top-tier model under the WLTP test cycle. For more details about the range, see real-world data and range listings on this model’s range and consumption page.

The vehicle supports fast DC charging with a maximum power of 170 kW. Charging from 0% to 100% takes approximately 70 minutes, while a more typical scenario from 10% to 80% takes 32 minutes with an average charging speed of 76 kW. Considering an additional 5 minutes for each charging stop due to driving interruptions, the optimal charging range is from 0% to 46%. This results in an effective charging speed, including time lost, of 87 kW, with each charging session taking about 19 minutes and 43 seconds.

In a theoretical 1000 km challenge, starting with a full battery and maintaining a constant speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) under ideal conditions with an assumed consumption rate of 17 kWh/100 km, the trip would take approximately 9 hours and 38 minutes. This journey would require four charging stops from 0% to 48%, with a total charging time of 78 minutes.

Onboard Charger

The standard onboard charger supports up to 11 kW for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging. This allows you to fully charge the battery from 0 to 100% in approximately 5 hours and 21 minutes using a home charging setup.

Charge Port

The charge port is conveniently located at the left rear corner of the vehicle, facilitating easy access when backing into charging stations. The connector types vary between different markets. This model uses NACS for North America and CCS Combo 2 for Europe. For complete specifications for all markets, refer to the full specifications.

Drivetrain

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) features an all-wheel drive system powered by two motors, one on each axle. The motors used are Induction Motors at the front axle and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors at the rear axle.

Suspension

The standard suspension has a fixed height and damping. The ground clearance with this suspension is 140 mm.

Steering

Dynamic steering is a standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1), varying the steering ratio based on driving speed for enhanced control and comfort.

Brakes

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) is equipped with cast-iron disc brakes on both the front and rear. The front discs measure 355 mm, while the rear discs are 355 mm.

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking in this model is primarily facilitated through one-pedal driving. Unlike some models, Automatic regen or coasting is not available here. This model offers three stopping modes for one-pedal driving:

• Hold mode brings the vehicle to a complete stop using friction brakes
• Roll mode allows the vehicle to roll until it stops naturally
• Creep mode moves the car forward at low speed

Additionally, you can adjust the strength of the regenerative braking when you lift your foot off the accelerator. There are two levels of regenerative braking to choose from, allowing you to customize the driving experience to your preference.

Exterior

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1), with dimensions of 4694 mm in length, 1849 mm in width, and 1443 mm in height, falls into D-segment cars, also known as mid-size or family cars, offer more space, comfort, and features than smaller segments, making them suitable for a variety of drivers. The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) is available in a total of 5 paint colors, including both solid and metallic options.

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) offers multiple wheel options in different sizes, allowing you to customize your vehicle to suit your style and driving preferences. The available tire and wheel combinations include:

• 255/45 tires on 18" rims
• 255/45 tires on 19" rims

Narrower wheels improve consumption and provide a longer range, while wider wheels offer better traction and handling.

The car has four regular doors and a boot lid for the trunk.

There is only one roof option for this model. The standard roof includes a large panoramic glass roof extending from the front to the rear, enhancing the interior’s spacious and bright feel, thereby improving the mood and comfort of occupants. This glass is tinted to protect against heat from the sun.

The windows from the B-pillar and back are tinted, which enhances privacy and reduces glare and heat from the sun, making the interior more comfortable for passengers.

Interior

Seats

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) accommodates five passengers with two front seats and a three-seat bench in the rear.

First Row Seats

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) offers a single type of front seat.

The following functionalities are available on the standard seat:

• Fore-and-aft adjustment (electrically adjustable)
• Height adjustable headrest
• Heating
• Memory

Available in:

Second Row Seat

The second row features a standard three-seat bench with a 60:40 split, allowing each section to fold separately to increase cargo space. Additional functionalities include:

Climate System

There is one climate system available:

• 1-zone climate system: Supports only controlling one shared zone for the whole car.

A standard heat pump is included, which can save significant energy that the EV would otherwise use for heating in cold weather.

Comfort Features

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) includes several features to enhance comfort and convenience:

• Electrically Adjustable Steering Wheel
• Wireless Phone Charging

User Interface and Control

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) has a single screen for the driver. The dashboard’s center has a single infotainment screen that serves as the primary display for both vehicle information and infotainment functions.

Key screen details:

• The screen on the dashboard’s center is 15.0 inches large

The model does not include a head-up display.

Steering Wheel

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) is equipped with a single type of steering wheel:

• Circular Steering Wheel: This steering wheel provides intuitive control over the infotainment system, allowing you to easily adjust the volume, change music tracks, and manage other key functions.

Mirrors

Both the exterior and interior mirrors use conventional mirror technology to provide a clear view of the area behind the vehicle.

Infotainment

Navigation System

With the a standard in-car navigation system, you have all the assistance you need to reach your destination effortlessly.

Sound System

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) comes equipped with one sound system option:

• Tesla Immersive Sound: Features seven speakers and delivers a maximum output of 560 watts.

Additionally, the model includes 4 USB-C connections as standard.

Lights

Standard Headlights: These use advanced LED technology, providing bright and efficient illumination.

The taillights use LED technology, ensuring both high visibility and energy efficiency.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) features a range of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) designed to enhance safety and comfort.

Safety Systems

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1), this system prevents the wheels from locking during braking.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1), this system improves the vehicle’s stability and handling during sudden maneuvers or on slippery road conditions.

Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1), this system helps prevent the vehicle from drifting out of its lane. It also includes a Lane Departure Warning system to alert the driver if the vehicle veers out of the lane.

Front Cross Traffic Assist (FCTA) : Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1), this driver assist system that helps drivers detect oncoming traffic when crossing an intersection or turning left or right from a stopped position.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1), this driver assist system helps drivers avoid or mitigate frontal collisions.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1), this system autonomously applies the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision if the driver does not react in time.

Automatic Emergency Steering (AES): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1), this system assists in avoiding collisions by automatically steering the vehicle in an emergency.

Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM) : Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1), this side assist system helps to detect traffic in blind spots.

Driving Automation

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) offers driving automation at levels 2 or 3, depending on the equipment level.

With the standard Basic Autopilot level 2 system, you get the following driving automation features.

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Lane Centering Assist (LCA) /AutoSteer: keeps the car in your lane and slows down if needed in traffic. The system limits how long you can drive without touching the steering wheel.

With the optional Enhanced Autopilot level 2 system, you get additional driving automation features to the ones listed above:

• Advance cruise control that follows navigation and turns off and on major roads to reach the target.
• Automatic parking.
• Automatic Lane Change (ALC)

With the optional Full Self-Driving Capability level 3 system, you get additional driving automation features to the ones listed above:

• Traffic light control - follow traffic lights.
• Stop sign control - follow stop signs.

Sensors & Cameras

This model only uses cameras for its driver assist systems. This design limits the accuracy of the driving assistance systems and makes them more sensitive to weather than cars that also use radar and other sensors. It uses eight cameras to register everything in the vehicle’s environment.

Security and Access Technologies

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) is equipped with advanced security features to protect you and your vehicle. These include:

• Keyless Entry and Start: The vehicle’s keyless entry and start system enables seamless access, allowing you to unlock and start the car without needing to remove the key from your pocket or bag.
• Phone-as-Key Functionality: With phone-as-key technology, you can use your smartphone as a digital key to unlock and start the vehicle, providing an additional layer of convenience and flexibility.
• Alarm System: An integrated alarm system monitors for unauthorized entry or tampering, providing alerts to help deter intrusions and keep your vehicle secure.
• Integrated Dashcam: The built-in dashcam records video footage of your journeys, capturing key details to provide added security, accountability, and peace of mind.
• Parking Surveillance: Using its suite of cameras, the vehicle actively monitors the surroundings while parked, offering enhanced protection through continuous surveillance.

Cargo Capacity and Towing Ability

The trunk offers a cargo capacity of 561 liters (19.8 CU FT). With the rear seat folded down, this expands to 1234 liters (43.6 CU FT). On the roof, you can load up to 70 kg (154.3 lbs). Additionally, there is a frunk (front trunk) with a storage capacity of 88 liters (3.1 CU FT).

The vehicle’s maximum weight is 2149 kg (4738 lbs), with a base weight of 1760 kg (3880 lbs). This allows for a maximum load of 389 kg (858 lbs), including the driver and passengers. Note that some options may increase the base weight and reduce the maximum loading capacity.

A towbar is standard equipment on this model. The maximum total weight on a braked trailer is 1000 kg, and on and unbraked trailer, it is 750 kg (2205/1653 lbs).

Availability & Pricing

This model had a world premiere on 01.04.2016, and deliveries started in July 2017. This models has now been discontined. This model has been replaced by Tesla Model 3 Long Range.