Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1)

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2025, 2026
Last modified: Jul 12, 2026

Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1) is an all-electric sedan offering a WLTP range of up to 602 km (374 miles). EVKX.net has all the details you need.

Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1)

Sedan · AWD · 5 seats · 400V architecture

Range
602 km
WLTP
Battery
75 kWh
usable
DC charging
250 kW
max
0–100 km/h
4.4 s
Power
324 kW
441 hp
Efficiency
12.5
kWh/100 km
Drivetrain
AWD

EVKX overview

Strengths

  • Long range (602 km WLTP)
  • Fast DC charging (250 kW)
  • Quick acceleration (0–100 in 4.4 s)
  • High power (324 kW / 441 hp)
  • Efficient consumption (12.5 kWh/100 km)

Best suited for: Drivers who want strong performance

Performance

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1) has a maximum power of 324 kW (441 hp / 435 bhp) and a total torque of 493 Nm (364 lb-ft). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 4.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 233 km/h (145 mph).

Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1)

Battery, Range, and Charging

The battery has a gross capacity of 82.0 kWh and a net usable capacity of 75.0 kWh, with a 7.0 kWh buffer (8.5%) for battery protection. With a nominal voltage of 357 volts, the system is classified as a 400-volt battery system.

The lithium-ion battery uses NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) chemistry.

According to the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) standard, the vehicle's range is 602 km (374 miles), with an energy consumption rate of 12.5 kWh/100 km (5.0 mi/kWh).

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 250 kW. A 0–100% charge takes approximately 69 minutes. A typical 10–80% session takes about 33 minutes at an average power of 95 kW.

With five minutes of overhead per stop, the optimal charging window is 5–43%. Effective average power, including overhead, is 116 kW over a session lasting about 15 minutes and 45 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 19 minutes, needing four charging stops from 5% to 43%, totaling 59 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 6 hours and 49 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 Long Range (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 suspension system features a MacPherson strut front construction and a multi-link rear construction. Both the front and rear dampers are monotube dampers. The front and rear springs are coil springs.

The standard suspension has a fixed height and damping characteristics.

Ground clearance with this setup is 133 mm.

Steering

Progressive steering is standard on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1). It adjusts the steering ratio according to vehicle speed.

Drive Modes

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

The driver can choose between 2 modes:

  • Sport: Dynamic steering and throttle.
  • en drivetrain.drivetrain.drivemodes_steeringResponse:Comfort_throttle:Reduced

Brakes

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

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range (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 Long Range (GEN1)

Interior

Seats

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

First Row Seats

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

The standard seat offers:

Available in:

Tesla Model 3 Long Range (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 Long Range (GEN1)

Interior Storage

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1) has the following interior storage:

  • 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 Long Range (GEN1) offers several interior lighting options.

  • White Dome Light: A white dome light is mounted in the roof area.

Climate System

There is one climate system available:

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

A standard heat pump reduces heating energy use in cold weather.

Comfort Features

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range (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 Long Range (GEN1) features a screen-focused control interface with limited physical buttons and no stalks, providing a minimalist approach to vehicle controls. This design prioritizes touchscreen interaction, which may appeal to tech-savvy users but could be less intuitive for those accustomed to traditional controls.

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 Long Range (GEN1) does not have a head-up display. Speed and navigation information remain on the vehicle's other displays.

Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1)

Steering Wheel

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

The steering wheel adjusts for tilt and reach. The adjustment is electrically powered.

The standard easy-entry function retracts the steering wheel automatically when entering or exiting the vehicle.

Design: Circular

Controls: Physical buttons, Scroll wheels

Heating: Heated (standard)

From the steering wheel you can control:

  • Infotainment: Steering-wheel controls provide access to media and infotainment functions.
  • Cruise Control: A stalk or button on the steering wheel allows you to set and adjust the cruise control speed.
  • Phone Controls: Buttons on the steering wheel allow you to answer, end, and manage phone calls.

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 Long Range (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 system uses detailed maps and offers advanced route planning. It provides real-time traffic information to support an efficient and stress-free journey.

Sound System

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1) has one sound system option:

  • Tesla Premium Sound: The system has 13 speakers and a maximum output of 560 watts.

The model includes USB-C connectivity as standard (total: 4).

Mobile App

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

Safety Systems

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1). It prevents the wheels from locking during braking.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1). It improves stability during sudden maneuvers and on slippery roads.

Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (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 Long Range (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 Long Range (GEN1). It warns the driver of a potential frontal collision.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (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 Long Range (GEN1). The system can steer automatically to help avoid an imminent collision.

Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1). It detects traffic in the vehicle's blind spots.

Driving Automation

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range (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:

The optional Enhanced Autopilot SAE Level 2 system adds the following features:

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 Long Range (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
  • Side airbags for the second-row passengers

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 Long Range (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 2232 kg (4921 lbs), and the base curb weight is 1844 kg (4065 lbs). This leaves a payload of 388 kg (855 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.

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