Tesla Model 3 (GEN1)

Performance

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) has 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 reaches a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).

Battery, Range, and Charging

The battery has a gross capacity of 60.0 kWh and a net usable capacity of 59.0 kWh, with 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.

The Lithium-Ion battery utilizes LFP technology, which offers advantages and disadvantages 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 typical 10% to 80% charge takes about 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 1000 km challenge at a constant speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) with an assumed consumption rate of 17 kWh/100 km, the trip would take about 9 hours and 38 minutes, needing four charging stops from 0% to 48%, totaling 78 minutes of charging time.

Onboard Charger

The standard onboard charger supports up to 11 kW for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging, allowing a full 0–100% charge in about 5 hours and 21 minutes with a standard home setup.

Charge Port

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

Drive Modes

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) lets the user select different drive modes that affect the car's handling.

The driver can choose between 2 modes:

• Chill: Comfort steering and throttle.
• Standard: Balanced steering and throttle.

Brakes

Regenerative Braking

Automatic regeneration is not available in this model. However, regenerative braking is available through one-pedal driving combined with blended brakes.

• 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

Drivers can also adjust the regenerative braking strength when lifting off the accelerator, choosing between two levels.

The maximum regenerative braking power is 60 kW.

Exterior

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1), with dimensions of 4694 mm in length, 1849 mm in width, and 1443 mm in height, falls into the D-segment, also known as mid-size or family cars.

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) is available in a total of 5 paint colors, including both solid and metallic options.

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)
• Recline adjustment (electrically adjustable)
• Height adjustment (electrically adjustable)
• Height adjustable headrest
• Heating
• Memory
• Adjustable lumbar support (electrically adjustable for driver, not available for passenger)

Available in:

• Black leatherette upholstering
• White leatherette upholstering

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:

• ISOFIX (standard for outer seats)

Climate System

There is one climate system available:

• 1-zone climate system: Controls a single zone for the whole cabin.

This model has a heat pump as an option. This heat pump can save significant energy used for heating in cold weather.

Comfort Features

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) includes the following comfort features:

• Garage Door Opener: Built-in control for compatible garage doors and gates.

User Interface and Control

The control interface of the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) is primarily screen-based, with minimal use of physical buttons or stalks.

This model features a single-screen layout, consolidating all driver and infotainment functions into one central display.

Key screen details:

• A touchscreen is centrally placed on the dashboard.

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) does not include a head-up display, so driving information such as speed and navigation cues is not projected into the driver’s line of sight on the windshield.

Steering Wheel

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

The steering wheel is adjustable for both tilt and telescope. The adjustment is electrically powered.

Mirrors

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

Voice control is standard.

Infotainment

en infotainment.os.Tesla OS

Navigation System

The built-in navigation supports route planning with target charge levels at the destination and at charging stops, plus real-time traffic.

Sound System

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) has 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.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) offers standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

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 system helps detect oncoming traffic when crossing an intersection or turning 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 system helps 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.

Sensors & Cameras

This model relies solely on cameras for its driver assist systems, which can be more sensitive to weather conditions than systems that also use radar or other sensors.

It uses eight cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings.

Safety

The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) is equipped with the following airbags:

• Front airbags for the driver and front passenger
• Side curtain airbags for both the first and second rows
• Side airbags for the driver and front passenger

The front and rear seatbelts are equipped with pyrotechnic pretensioners without load limiters. In the event of a collision, the pretensioners tighten the seatbelts to secure occupants firmly in their seats.

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: Unlock and start the car with the key in your pocket or bag.
• Phone-as-Key Functionality: Use your smartphone as a digital key to unlock and start the vehicle.
• Alarm System: An integrated alarm system monitors for unauthorized entry or tampering and triggers an alert.
• Integrated Dashcam: The built-in dashcam records video footage while you drive.
• Parking Surveillance: Using its cameras, the vehicle monitors its surroundings while parked.

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 an unbraked trailer, it is 750 kg (2205/1653 lbs).

Availability & Pricing

This model had a world premiere on 4/1/2016, and deliveries started in July 2017. This model has now been discontinued.