New Tesla Model 3 Review

Is there an electric car which is suitable for high-mileage?

One of the main obstacles to leasing, or buying, a new EV is that customers believe the range is insufficient for their requirements. Commonly referred to as “range-anxiety”, this essentially means that a customer is concerned that their vehicle will run out of energy during the course of travelling. This is compounded by a belief that there are not enough charge points to adequately charge the vehicle.

The Long-Range Model 3 is perhaps one of the key models within the company car segment as this does present a genuine alternative to a BMW 3 series, Mercedes C Class or Audi A4, with its extended range capabilities.

Thank you to the team at Stockport Tesla for visiting the e-car lease team with their demonstrator for us to test and review this model, which we do think will be a key vehicle for the business car market in 2020.

The Long Range Model 3 at e-car lease premises

Can I test-drive a Tesla?

While the Model 3 has been the bestselling electric option of 2019 (up to 400,000 will be sold worldwide by December 2019), day-to-day you will not see as many vehicles on the UK roads in comparison to some of the better known options, like the ones above.

There is an understandable nervousness toward electric cars – how do they drive? How can I charge one? Are they quick enough? Our best piece of advice is to get behind the wheel and try one out. Until you experience the vehicles it is very difficult to qualify how good they really are. In order to encourage further take-up local councils have been taking part in roadshows and events to introduce the vehicles/charging solutions to local businesses. In Manchester, a series of Go Electric!

Events, which the e-car lease team have attended, have been a great way to provide education and experience electrification first-hand. That being said, for more in-depth experiences you need to visiting our team to test-drive our small electric fleet (subject to a driving licence) or visit the Stockport Tesla store. The team at Tesla will introduce you to the workings of the vehicle and provide you with the opportunity to drive one. As you will already be aware, the Tesla is winning a number of awards for its performance, driving experience and quality BUT it is still crucial you drive one yourself before committing to a long-term contract.

Model 3 – the perfect company car solution?

As we noted above the range of the vehicle is one of the biggest obstacles for the true business user covering 15,000 miles a year and beyond. The electric vehicles which are sub-200 miles ranges can make some customers incredibly nervous about making the transition. The introduction of a Long Range option in the Model 3 has almost certainly been a clear answer to these concerns – a combined WLTP range of nearly 350 miles more than suffices most of the potential journeys for any driver (except some covering extremely high mileages). The only point to add is that during winter, electric cars are less economical and this is something to consider – for example you will need to pre-condition your battery in the morning and ensure you have access to both workplace and public charging.

Taking the example above, if you are covering 25,000 miles a year (which is a sensible high-mileage starting point), you are averaging about 2300 miles per month (presuming you have 4 weeks holiday per year). This equates to about 570 miles being driven per week. For a Long Range you can see that a bi-weekly charging in this example would provide more than enough comfort. The fundamental point is that you need to ensure you have access to the correct charging structure and the relevant apps on your mobile to help you throughout. In an ideal world, a 7kW home charge point solution, a workplace solution and nearby access to a rapid charger will allow you to conservatively enjoy your EV.

You also have to note that technology is improving in batteries along with economies of scale. We are not far away from 500mile+ solutions which will more than suffice almost every driving solution in the UK – this will allow a near 900 mile journey from Lands End to John O’Groats with just one charge!

Standard equipment for the Long-Range Model 3

In terms of the car shown, the Tesla MODEL 3 SALOON Long Range AWD 4dr Auto, this is based on the following configuration:

Deep Blue Metallic Paint
Premium material - Black PUR seat
18" Aero wheel

As standard the car includes automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance, ESC, internet browser, mobile telephone preparation, adaptive cruise control, front parking sensor, lane departure warning system, park assist camera, rear cross traffic camera, reversing parking aid, traffic sign recognition, front cross traffic camera, BLIS, navigation, auto dimming/folding/heated door mirrors, 15” touchscreen, DAB radio, premium audio, body coloured aesthetics, LED headlights and daytime running lights, tinted glass roof, ambient interior lighting, 12-way power adjustable heated front seats, 60/40 split folding seats, 18” alloys, keyless entry and climate control, immobiliser and alarm. In terms of additional options there is very little to change or add other than colour, the trailer tow hitch and the self-driving capability. Upgrade to the Performance if you need some stylish aesthetics.

Tesla MODEL 3 SALOON Long Range AWD 4dr Auto Car Leasing Interior

The basic (but practical) interior of a Model 3

Tesla MODEL 3 SALOON Long Range AWD 4dr Auto Car Leasing

Technical data on the Long-Range Model 3

Company car and business users can note the P11d at £52,490.00 and CO2 at 0g/km. The 88kWh lithium-ion battery delivers a range of 348 miles (WLTP), 0-62 times of 4.5 seconds and 351ps. Service intervals are set at every 24 months and 25,000 miles (whichever lands sooner). On charging times a 7kW point will charge the Model 3 in circa 11-12 hour, a fast 22kW will offer a 6-7 hours charging time and a supercharger at Tesla could be in and around 30 minutes!