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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).
Tesla Model 3 (GEN1)
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 uses LFP technology, which has different characteristics from typical NCA and NMC batteries.
Under the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) standard, the maximum rated range is 495 km (308 miles). Depending on the configuration and options such as wheel size, the rated range can be as low as 491 km (305 miles). Larger wheels generally increase energy consumption and reduce range.
WLTP energy consumption is 11.9 kWh/100 km for the base configuration and 12.0 kWh/100 km for the highest-consumption configuration.
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. A 0–100% charge takes approximately 70 minutes. A typical 10–80% session takes about 32 minutes at an average power of 76 kW.
With five minutes of overhead per stop, the optimal charging window is 0–46%. Effective average power, including overhead, is 87 kW over a session lasting 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 18.9 kWh/100 km, the trip would take about 9 hours and 51 minutes, needing five charging stops from 0% to 45%, totaling 92 minutes of charging time.
Onboard Charger
The standard onboard charger supports AC charging at up to 11 kW. A full 0–100% charge takes about 5 hours and 21 minutes with a suitable home charging setup.
Charge Port
The charge port is at the left rear corner, which suits charging stalls that require backing in.
Connector types vary by market. This model uses NACS in North America and CCS Combo 2 in Europe. See the full specifications for market-specific details.
Drivetrain
The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) features an all-wheel drive system powered by two motors, one on each axle.
An induction motor powers the front axle, while a permanent-magnet synchronous motor powers the rear axle.
Suspension
The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) uses a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. Both axles have monotube dampers and coil springs.
The standard suspension has a fixed height and damping characteristics.
Ground clearance with this setup is 140 mm.
Steering
Progressive steering is standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1). It adjusts the steering ratio according to vehicle speed.
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
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
Automatic regeneration is not available in this model. However, regenerative braking is available through one-pedal driving combined with blended brakes.
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
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 5 paint colors, including both solid and metallic options.
The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) offers multiple wheel options in different sizes. The available tire and wheel combinations include:
- 255/45 tires on 18" rims
- 255/45 tires on 19" rims
Narrower wheels reduce energy consumption and can increase range, while wider wheels can improve 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.
A large panoramic glass roof extending from front to rear is standard. Tinted glass reduces solar heat gain.
The windows behind the B-pillar are tinted for privacy and to reduce glare and solar heat gain.
Tesla Model 3 (GEN1)
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 standard seat offers:
- 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 upholstery
- White leatherette upholstery
Tesla Model 3 (GEN1)
Second-Row Seats
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 second-row features include:
- ISOFIX (standard for outer seats)
Tesla Model 3 (GEN1)
Interior Storage
The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) has limited interior storage options.
- Glove Compartment: Located in the dashboard in front of the passenger.
- Center Console: A storage compartment is located beneath the front center armrest.
- Door Pockets: The front doors include integrated storage pockets.
Interior Lighting
The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) offers several interior lighting options.
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Climate System
There is one climate system available:
- 1-zone climate system: Controls a single zone for the whole cabin.
A heat pump is available as an option and can reduce the energy needed to heat the cabin 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 Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) uses a primarily screen-based interface while retaining steering-column stalks and a limited number of physical buttons.
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 have a head-up display. Speed and navigation information remain on the vehicle's other displays.
Tesla Model 3 (GEN1)
Steering Wheel
The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) is equipped with a single type of steering wheel:
The steering wheel adjusts for tilt and reach. The adjustment is electrically powered.
Design: Circular
Controls: Capacitive touch buttons, Scroll wheels
Heating: Available as an option
From the steering wheel you can control:
- Media Controls: Steering-wheel controls provide access to audio and media functions.
- Phone Controls: Buttons on the steering wheel allow you to answer, end, and manage phone calls.
- Voice Control: A button on the steering wheel activates the voice control system.
- Cruise Control: A stalk or button on the steering wheel allows you to set and adjust the cruise control speed.
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
The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) features Tesla's custom infotainment system. The touchscreen interface provides access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings, with voice command support. The system supports over-the-air updates.
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: The system has seven speakers and a maximum output of 560 watts.
The model includes USB-C connectivity as standard (total: 4).
Mobile App
The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) has a mobile app for Android and iOS to manage and monitor the vehicle remotely. Features:
- Locate Your Vehicle: Check the current location of your car.
- Preconditioning: Preheat or cool your car before you start your journey.
- Remote Parking: Park or exit a parking space remotely from the app.
- Lock and unlock: Lock or unlock the doors remotely.
- Scheduled Charging: Set a charging schedule.
- Charge Target: Set the battery's target state of charge.
- Find your car: Sound the horn or flash the lights to locate the car.
- Route Planning: Plan your route and send it directly to your car's navigation system.
- Driving History: Review the details of your past trips.
Lights
Standard Headlights: These use LED technology.
The taillights use LED technology.
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). It prevents the wheels from locking during braking.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1). It improves stability during sudden maneuvers and on slippery roads.
Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1). It applies steering corrections if the vehicle begins to leave its lane.
The Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to leave its lane.
Front Cross Traffic Assist (FCTA): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1). It detects traffic crossing ahead when entering an intersection or pulling away from a stop.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1). It warns the driver of a potential frontal collision.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1). It applies the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond to an imminent collision.
Automatic Emergency Steering (AES): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1). The system can steer automatically to help avoid an imminent collision.
Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 (GEN1). It detects traffic in the vehicle's blind spots.
Driving Automation
The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) offers driving automation at levels 2 or 3, depending on the equipment level.
The standard Basic Autopilot SAE Level 2 system includes the following driving automation features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Centering Assist (LCA) / AutoSteer: Centers the vehicle in its lane and adjusts speed in traffic. The driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel and remain attentive.
The optional Enhanced Autopilot SAE Level 2 system adds the following features:
- Navigation-guided driving: Follows the planned route, including highway entry and exit.
- Automatic parking
- Automatic Lane Change (ALC)
The optional Full Self-Driving Capability SAE Level 3 system adds the following driving-automation features:
- Traffic light control: Responds to detected traffic signals.
- Stop-sign control: Detects and responds to stop signs.
Sensors & Cameras
This model uses cameras without radar or ultrasonic sensors for its driver-assistance systems. Performance can be affected by poor visibility and weather.
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 use pyrotechnic pretensioners without load limiters. In a collision, the pretensioners remove belt slack.
Security and Access Technologies
The Tesla Model 3 (GEN1) includes the following security and access features:
- 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: Monitors for unauthorized entry or tampering and sounds the alarm when triggered.
- Integrated Dashcam: Records video while driving.
- Parking Surveillance: Uses the vehicle's cameras to monitor 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).
The maximum roof load is 70 kg (154.3 lb).
The frunk (front trunk) has a capacity of 88 liters (3.1 cu ft).
The maximum permitted vehicle weight is 2149 kg (4738 lbs), and the base curb weight is 1760 kg (3880 lbs). This leaves a payload of 389 kg (858 lbs), including occupants. Options can increase curb weight and reduce payload.
A towbar is standard. Maximum towing capacity is 1000 kg (2205 lb) for a braked trailer and 750 kg (1653 lb) for an unbraked trailer.
Availability & Pricing
This model had a world premiere on 4/1/2016, and deliveries started in July 2017. This model has now been discontinued.