Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1)

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Last modified: May 06, 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)

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

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.

This Lithium-Ion battery utilizes NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) technology.

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 (3 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. Charging from 0% to 100% takes approximately 69 minutes, while a typical 10% to 80% charge takes about 33 minutes with an average charging speed of 95 kW.

Considering an additional 5 minutes for each charging stop due to driving interruptions, the optimal charging range is from 5% to 43%. This results in an effective charging speed, including time lost, of 116 kW, with each charging session taking 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 17.5 kWh/100 km, the trip would take about 9 hours and 13 minutes, needing four charging stops from 5% to 39%, totaling 53 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 6 hours and 49 minutes with a standard home setup.

Charge Port

The charge port is at the left rear corner, making it easy to back 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 Long Range (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 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), automatically adjusting the steering ratio based on 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 a total of 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 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. The glass is tinted to protect against heat from the sun.

The windows from the B-pillar and back are tinted, which improves privacy and reduces glare and heat from the sun.

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 following functionalities are available on the standard seat:

Available in:

Tesla Model 3 Long Range (GEN1)

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)

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 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.

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

The steering wheel has an easy-entry function that retracts automatically to make getting in and out of the car easier.

Design: Circular

Controls: Physical buttons, Scroll wheels

Heating: Heated (standard)

From the steering wheel you can control:

  • Infotainment Controls: Buttons or knobs on the steering wheel or center console provide quick 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. The system provides real-time traffic information ensuring an efficient and stress-free journey.

Sound System

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

  • Tesla Premium Sound: Features 13 speakers and delivers a maximum output of 560 watts.

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

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 & Unlock: Securely lock or unlock your car doors.
  • Scheduled Charging: Plan and schedule charging sessions.
  • Adjust Charging Target: Set your desired State of Charge to start or stop charging.
  • Find Your Car: Trigger the horn or lights to help find your car in crowded areas.
  • 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), this system prevents the wheels from locking during braking.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (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 Long Range (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 Long Range (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 Long Range (GEN1), this driver assist system helps drivers avoid or mitigate frontal collisions.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Standard on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (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 Long Range (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 Long Range (GEN1), this system helps detect traffic in blind spots.

Driving Automation

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range (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.

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

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 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 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 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 Long Range (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 2232 kg (4921 lbs), with a base weight of 1844 kg (4065 lbs). This allows for a maximum load of 388 kg (855 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.

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