2018 Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 stands as the brands push to bring the affordable electric car to the masses, with good range, great power and sharp looks. The production troubles have been well covered, but as Tesla learns how to produce cars on a large scale, their competitors have been gathering their forces and are poised to enter the market with some stiff competition.

The wait was a long one for Tesla to bring an affordable car to the market. They started with the Roadster, a proof of concept that electric cars could be both fast and fun. Next was the Model S, a large luxury sedan that made was good looking and very capable, and through several software and battery upgrades was able to achieve supercar beating acceleration. Next along was the Model X, the luxury SUV that shared a lot of the good stuff from the S. Finally the Tesla Model 3, a medium sized sedan starting at much more affordable prices that is set to take the company into mass market adoption.

The top spec Model 3 has dual electric motors positioned in the front and rear driving both axles for all-wheel drive. Two battery packs are available, with the standard 50 kWh good for 220 miles (350 km), and the long range 75 kWh increasing the range to 310 miles (500 km). Combined power output comes in at 462 PS (340 kW), with 471 lb-ft (639 Nm) of torque. Acceleration for the dual motor Model 3 is 3.5 seconds for 0-60 mph, and 5.6 seconds for the lowest spec single motor model.

For the interior Tesla has chosen the sparse option, with only a large touchscreen mounted centrally on the dash to operate all the controls. The screen displays all information for the driver with no instrument panel located behind the steering wheel. That steering wheel makes use of two thumb sized scroll wheels that can act as easy to reach input devices for the driver.