What Aussies Need to Know About Tesla Model 3
The long wait is over for electric car enthusiasts in Australia who are eager to put their hands on the steering wheel of Tesla Model 3. The brand’s cheapest car model at $35,000 USD is scheduled to be delivered in the country around mid-2019.
The information, as tweeted by Tesla CEO Elon Musk in response to an Aussie customer who was asking about the delivery date of Model 3 in the country, adds to the enthusiasm of other Australians who had put down refundable $1500 deposits for the car or are planning to buy one. Earlier in March, Tesla has announced a price cut on the vehicle as part of the company’s strategy to keep the car affordable for the mass market.
While the thought of driving a Tesla Model 3 is exciting, every interested buyer should know the car’s specs, features, price and drawbacks.
Specifications
Model 3 is the smaller and more affordable version of the Model S, Tesla’s flagship premium sedan. The 5-seater car shares some of the features of its high-end counterpart, including a full self-driving capability, impressive speed and safety, and environmentally friendly electric motors. It is also built upon the fourth version of Tesla technology.
Model S and Model 3 Comparison
|
SPECIFICATIONS |
MODEL S |
MODEL 3 |
|
Length |
196” |
184.8” |
|
Performance |
2.4 - 4.2 sec 0-60 mph |
3.2 - 5.6 sec 0-60 mph |
|
Range |
270 - 335 Miles Range |
220 - 325 Miles Range |
|
Cargo |
30 cu ft 0 cu ft front and rear trunk cargo volume with a power liftgate |
15 cu ft front and rear trunk cargo volume with manual trunk |
|
Displays |
2 digital displays (driver display and 17" touchscreen) |
1 digital display (15" center touchscreen) |
|
Customisation |
1,500+ configurations |
< 100 configurations |
|
Features |
Full self-driving capability Aluminium body Smart air suspension Glass roof 19" or 21" performance wheels HEPA Filtration System Auto-presenting door handles |
Full self-driving capability Aluminium and steel body Coil suspension Optional glass roof 18" Aero, 19" Sport or 20" performance wheels |
Source: Tesla.com
Safety and Convenience Features
Model 3 has a 5-star rating in all collision tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is built with an automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance, electronic stability and traction control, and eight airbags.
Amenities are also available for comfort. The 15-inch digital display comes with onboard maps and navigation. The car also has Wi-Fi and cellular internet capability, voice-activated controls, keyless entry and remote climate control system, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
Standard, Partial Premium and Premium Interiors
Model 3 is designed with plenty of headroom and legroom in the rear, but the interior setting differs according to upgrades. The Standard Range has the most basic design, which includes cloth seats and a centre console with open storage and two USB ports.
The Partial Premium has 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats with premium material and trim, LED fog lamps; and a centre console with storage, four USB ports and docking for two smartphones.
The Model 3 Premium Long-Range has 12-way power-adjustable front and rear heated seats, LED fog lamps, a centre console with storage, 4 USB ports and docking for 2 smartphones;
in-car internet streaming music and media, and location-aware automatic garage door opener. The advanced audio system also features 14 speakers, 1 subwoofer, 2 amps, and immersive sound.
Charging Concerns
Tesla Model 3 owners in Australia can easily recharge their vehicle through electric charging stations installed throughout the country. So far, Tesla Australia has more than 500 destination chargers and 26 networks of superchargers, which can deliver up to 120 kW per vehicle and recharge it to 80% in less than 40 minutes. The company is also upgrading its superchargers to Supercharger V3, which is capable of a 250kW peak charge rate.
On the other hand, Tesla has increased its Australian charging prices by 20% earlier this year. Blaming the price hike on the rise in electricity and operational costs, the average price of charging at any of its Australian supercharger stations rose up from $0.35 per kWh to $0.42 per kWh.
Standard Pricing and Upgrades
Australians should be aware that the base rate of $35,000 USD for the Tesla Model 3 is exclusive of the destination charge ($925 USD), documentation fee ($75 USD), and taxes. If the taxes and import duties are added in the calculation, it is likely to cost around $60,000 USD.
An additional fee is added for other upgrades, including:
- Any color not black - $1,000 USD
- Premium Upgrades - $5,000 USD
- Enhanced Autopilot - $5,000 USD
- Full Self-Driving - $3,000 USD
- 19-inch Sport Wheels - $1,500 USD
- Long Range Battery - $9,000 USD
Owning a Tesla car is easier than you think. At Positive Lending Solutions, we offer car financing all over Australia. We help you find a car loan that fits within your budget and direct you to the biggest and most trusted lenders in the country.
Call us on 1300 722 210 today!
Tom Caesar is the Managing Director of The Positive Group, a group of Australian financial services companies offering a broad range of finance to clients Australia wide. The Positive Group assist clients in the areas of car finance, mortgages, insurance & wealth management. Tom has been in car & asset finance for over 10 years. Tom regularly contributes articles on car finance, insurance, technology and business growth, drawing on his experience of starting his own brokerage in 2009.