Tesla Model 3 becomes EV with longest range in Europe

Tesla has confirmed that its Model 3, in AWD Long-range guise, will offer 338 miles (543 km) of range on a WLTP cycle, meaning it takes the lead as the EV with the longest official range in Europe.

The Hyundai Kona EV previously laid claim to the title, with a range of 279 miles (449 km) in 64kWh form. 

It comes as the car maker launches its configurator for European customers who have already put down a deposit for a Model 3 saloon, revealing previously unconfirmed pricing and range details. 

Model 3 pricing announced in Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands and France suggest the entry-level EV will be available from around £50,000 (Rs 45 lakh), falling to £46,500 (Rs 41 lakh) after taking into consideration the £3,500 (Rs 315,179) UK government incentive for zero-emission vehicles.

The Model 3 is on show in UK dealerships for the first time, with demonstration models on display at Tesla’s London Park Royal and Manchester Stockport locations, ahead of right-hand-drive models arriving in the second half of 2019.

Two models will be available at launch: the four-wheel-drive, long-range version is capable of 338 miles (543 km) on a single charge, according to WLTP testing. The Model 3 Performance can do 330 miles (531 km).

The 4WD version reaches the 0-60mph (0-100kph) benchmark sprint in 5.1sec and has a top speed of 140mph (225 kph), while the Performance achieves 0-60mph in 3.5sec. 

Cheaper Model 3 variants are due to arrive later in the UK, potentially lowering the entry-level cost to around £35,000 (Rs 31 lakh).

If so, it would go up against combustion-engined compact executive cars such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Jaguar XE and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in terms of pricing and size.

Model 3 owners will not get free access to the Tesla Supercharger high-speed charging system, with the American company planning to charge for electricity as demand grows and it requires more investment to build up its charging network.

Tesla’s latest results from the third quarter of 2018 showed that it hit production targets for Model 3, building 53,239 units. This followed a tumultuous second quarter in which a temporary ‘tent’ was constructed outside the firm’s Californian plant containing another production line so as to increase output.

Tesla revealed its Semi lorry in November last year, and this is expected to go into production in 2019. Its next model, the Model Y small SUV, is expected to be revealed in March 2019.

The highly anticipated Roadster, a sports car which promises to hit 0-60mph in 1.9sec, is pegged to arrive in Europe in 2020.

Also read: Tesla Model 3's secret technology

Will the Model 3 make or break Tesla?