The Tesla Model 3 is an electric-powered mid-size car with a fastback design made by Tesla, Inc. It was introduced in 2017 and is marketed as more affordable than earlier Tesla models. From 2018 to 2020, the Model 3 was the world's best-selling plug-in electric car before the Tesla Model Y, a crossover SUV built using the Model 3's frame, took the top spot. In June 2021, the Model 3 became the first electric car to sell more than 1 million units worldwide.

A redesigned Model 3 with updated interior and exterior features was released in late 2023 for countries using parts from Gigafactory Shanghai and in early 2024 for North America and other regions using parts from the Tesla Fremont Factory.

History

In 2006, Elon Musk told Wired Science that the Model 3 would likely be affordable for most people who buy new cars, with a goal of costing about $30,000. In 2008, the car was described as a family vehicle. In 2017, Tesla stated the Standard Range version of the all-electric Model 3 would have an estimated EPA-rated range of 215 miles (346 km), room for five passengers, front and rear trunks, and acceleration similar to a sports car. Tesla said the car would have a five-star safety rating and a drag coefficient of C d =0.225. This is lower than the Tesla Model S drag coefficient of C d =0.24, which was the lowest among production cars in 2014.

Within one week of unveiling the Model 3 in 2016, Tesla reported 325,000 reservations for the car. These reservations represented potential sales of over US$14 billion. By August 2017, there were 455,000 net reservations.

Industry experts were skeptical when Tesla announced in May 2016 that it would move up its 500,000-unit production plan (for Model S, Model X, and Model 3) to 2018, two years earlier than planned. This change aimed to speed up Model 3 production. As expected, challenges called "production bottlenecks" and "production hell" occurred. In May 2016, Tesla raised US$2 billion by selling new shares to investors to fund the plan.

Tesla’s Model 3 plans are part of a three-step strategy to start with high-priced vehicles and gradually move to lower-cost models. Improvements in battery and electric drivetrain technology were funded by sales of the Roadster, Model S, and Model X.

On April 18, 2018, Tesla updated its production goal to build 6,000 Model 3 vehicles per week by the end of June 2018, increasing from a previous target of 5,000 vehicles per week. On July 1, 2018, Elon Musk announced Tesla had met its 5,000-vehicle-per-week goal.

On February 28, 2019, Tesla announced the Standard Range version of the Model 3 would be priced at $35,000 (equivalent to $44,075 in 2025). However, by April 12, 2019, the Standard Range model could only be ordered over the phone or in stores, not online. Autopilot, previously a $3,000 option, was included in all Model 3 versions except the Standard Range, with each version’s price increasing by $2,000. In February 2019, the Model 3 became the best-selling plug-in electric car in the U.S., surpassing the Chevrolet Volt. By early 2020, Model 3 sales surpassed the Nissan Leaf to become the world’s top-selling plug-in electric car.

In 2006, Musk referred to "Model 2" (later the Model S) and "Model 3." The Model 3 was called "BlueStar" in Tesla’s original 2007 business plan. It was first announced on Musk’s Twitter account on July 16, 2014, and later called "Model III" in a 2015 presentation. By 2016, Musk wanted the three models to spell "SEX," but settled for "S3X" because "Model E" was already trademarked by Ford. In 2017, Tesla changed the three-bar design to a numeric "3" due to trademark issues with Adidas.

Tesla announced the Model 3 would be unveiled in March 2016. In January 2016, Musk said the first official pictures would be released by late March 2016. Deliveries began in late 2017, starting on the U.S. west coast and moving east. Customers could reserve the car at Tesla stores or online on March 31, 2016, with a refundable $1,000 deposit. In February 2016, Tesla confirmed the unveiling would be on March 31, 2016. Current Tesla owners received priority sales after employees but before the general public, as a reward for helping fund the Model 3’s development.

During the Model 3 unveiling event, Tesla said over 115,000 people reserved the car within 24 hours, more than the total number of Model S sedans sold by the end of 2015. Within 24 hours of opening reservations, Tesla had 180,000 orders. Two days later, Tesla reported 232,000 reservations. One week after the unveiling, Tesla said it had over 325,000 reservations, more than triple the number of Model S sedans sold by the end of 2015. Musk noted 5% of reservations involved up to two cars per customer, suggesting low speculation, and 93% of reservations were from new buyers who did not own a Tesla. The previous record for advance deposits on a car was the 1955 Citroën DS, which had 80,000 deposits during the Paris Auto Show. The Model 3 had 232,000 reservations in two days.

According to Tesla’s global vice-president Robin Ren, China is the second-largest market for the Model 3 after the U.S. By May 15, 2016, Tesla reported about 373,000 net reservations after removing 8,000 customer cancellations and 4,200 duplicate reservations from speculators. By July 2017, there were over 500,000 Model 3 reservations, with Musk later stating there were 455,000 net reservations outstanding, adding about 1,800 reservations per day.

In November 2020, the Model 3 received exterior and interior updates, including changes carried over from the new Model Y. The most noticeable change was black finishes on door handles, side mirror trim, window trim

Design

In 2013, Tesla’s design chief, Franz von Holzhausen, described the Model 3 as a car similar to the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. He said it would provide features like long driving range, reasonable cost, and strong performance for many people. While the Model 3 used some technology from Tesla’s earlier Model S, it is 20% smaller and has a unique design. One notable design choice was the absence of a front grille. Electric cars require less cooling than traditional cars, so they do not need a front grille. However, some models, including the Model S, include one to match the appearance of other vehicles. All Model 3 versions feature a large glass roof made by Tesla Glass, using the same type of glass as the Tesla Solar Roof.

The Model 3’s interior is described as simple, with few physical controls. Most functions are managed through a single 15.4-inch (390 mm) touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. Reviewers praised the screen’s interface but noted that drivers must use menus instead of buttons or knobs for some tasks. Tesla is also one of the few carmakers that does not provide Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity in the Model 3.

Production

The Gigafactory Shanghai has been making the Model 3 since December 2019 for sale in China and for export to other countries, except the United States. In 2013, Jerome Guillen talked about the "BlueStar" project, which was the code name for the Model 3. He said Tesla planned to eventually make 400,000 cars each year. In 2016, Tesla told its suppliers it wanted to double earlier production goals for the Model 3. This meant making 100,000 cars in 2017 and 400,000 in 2018. Many experts thought these numbers were too high. At the Tesla Factory, paint lines for 500,000 cars started in 2015. Some equipment for making Model 3 cars was working by August 2016. In January 2017, Tesla bought Grohmann Engineering, a company that helps with automated manufacturing. This led to the creation of Tesla Advanced Automation Germany, which would develop processes for making Model 3 cars. Tesla said it planned to spend between $2 billion and $2.5 billion on building and equipment before starting Model 3 production.

In April 2016, Tesla showed two Alpha prototypes (silver and black; red was a shell). By late July 2016, the design was finished. In August 2016, Tesla ordered parts for 300 Beta prototypes to prepare for the assembly line. At that time, the company planned to test prototypes before full production began. Model 3 prototypes were built in early February 2017 to test the design and manufacturing processes. Tesla said early crash tests of the Model 3 were positive. Later tests in 2019 showed the car protected adults 96% of the time, children 86% of the time, and vulnerable road users like pedestrians 74% of the time. The car’s "safety assist" mode scored 94%.

In October 2016, Tesla said its production timeline was on schedule. In February 2017, the company claimed vehicle development, supply chains, and manufacturing were ready for large-scale Model 3 deliveries in the second half of 2017. Limited production started in July 2017, with full production planned for September 2017. Tesla aimed to make more than 5,000 cars per week by the end of 2017 and 10,000 cars per week in 2018. However, Tesla did not meet its goals. Only 2,425 cars were made in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Giga Nevada was planned to make battery packs for the Model 3. In January 2017, Tesla also said it would build drive units at Giga Nevada. In February 2017, Tesla said Model 3 manufacturing equipment was being installed at the Fremont factory and Giga Nevada. At Giga Nevada, battery cells for energy storage began production in January 2017. These cells had the same design as those used in the Model 3.

In February 2016, Tesla planned to sell Model 3 cars in the same way as the S and X models, starting with higher-priced cars to help fund production. After learning from the challenges of making the Model X, Tesla changed its plan in early 2017 to produce simpler cars first to reduce risks. The first mass-produced Model 3 cars were rear-wheel drive with a long-range battery. Deliveries began in the second half of 2017, but not in the numbers Tesla hoped for. Experts had predicted Tesla would not meet its delivery goals.

In early July 2017, Elon Musk said production would face serious problems for at least six months. Tesla aimed to make 1,500 cars in the third quarter of 2017 and 5,000 cars per week by December 2017. Only 260 cars were made in the third quarter. The company said there were no major issues with the Model 3 or its supply chain but believed it could fix the problems soon.

Tesla delivered 1,542 Model 3 cars in the fourth quarter of 2017, which was 2,900 fewer than expected. Musk delayed the goal of making 5,000 cars per week from December 2017 to March 2018. An analyst said Musk needed to stop overpromising and underdelivering. In 2017, Tesla delivered 1,764 Model 3 cars.

Before a planned shutdown in April 2018 to improve production, Tesla made over 2,000 Model 3 cars for three straight weeks. By October 2018, global deliveries passed 100,000 units. In November 2018, U.S. sales of the Model 3 reached 100,000 units, a record for a plug-in electric car.

In the first half of 2018, the Model 3 was the top-selling alternative fuel vehicle in California, with 12,674 units sold. It was also the top-selling plug-in electric car in the U.S. for 12 months in a row through December 2018, ending the year with 139,782 units delivered. This was the first time a plug-in car sold more than 100,000 units in a year. The Model 3 was also the best-selling luxury vehicle in the U.S. in 2018. In California, the Model 3 was the top-selling plug-in car and the best-selling car in the near-luxury category.

Globally, the Model 3 was the best-selling plug-in electric car in 2018. Elon Musk predicted that worldwide demand for the Model 3 could reach between 500,000 and 1 million cars per year. This would place it between the BMW 3 Series and the Volkswagen Golf in popularity.

Retail deliveries in Europe and China began in

Specifications

The Model 3's main (rear) motor uses internal permanent magnets (IPM) and has features similar to a synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM). Unlike an induction motor, which uses an aluminum squirrel-cage rotor, the IPM motor uses an iron rotor with slots where magnets are placed inside the core. As an IPM motor, it provides strong starting power. However, its performance decreases at high speeds because of counter-electromotive forces. To improve high-speed performance, Tesla engineers used iron's reluctance property, which allows the rotor to spin in sync with the stator's magnetic field when channels are cut into the core. These channels also help hold the permanent magnets in place.

The IPM-SynRM motor provides most of the power for both the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) Model 3s. The induction motor on the front axle of AWD models adds extra power and improves handling.

Tesla initially used 2170-type (21 mm diameter, 70 mm height) cylindrical batteries in the Model 3. These replaced the 18650-type batteries used in earlier vehicles. The 2170 batteries were designed for electric cars, offering more energy per cell and requiring fewer cells per battery pack.

For vehicles made at the Tesla Fremont Factory, 2170 batteries with a nickel-cobalt-aluminum cathode chemistry are sourced from Panasonic's production line at Gigafactory Nevada. For vehicles made at Gigafactory Shanghai, 2170 batteries with a nickel-cobalt-manganese cathode chemistry are sourced from LG Energy Solution's factories in China.

As lower-cost models were introduced, Tesla began using prismatic (rectangular) cells with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry in vehicles from both factories. LFP batteries have lower energy density, which reduces range, but they do not contain nickel or cobalt, making them cheaper to produce. Unlike other battery types, LFP batteries degrade less when regularly charged to 100%. These batteries are sourced from CATL in China.

When production began in 2017, the base Model 3 had a 50-kWh battery with a range of about 220 miles (350 km). The optional 75-kWh battery had a range of about 310 miles (500 km).

The Model 3's 350-volt (nominal, 400-volt max) battery packs are made of four longitudinal modules, each containing groups of cells. The Standard Range version has 2,976 cells arranged in 96 groups of 31. The Long Range version has 4,416 cells arranged in 96 groups of 46. The Long Range battery weighs 1,060 pounds (480 kg) and fits in a 14 cubic foot (0.40 m³) space, with a density of 150 Wh/kg (540 kJ/kg). The car's onboard AC/DC converter is 11 kW. In Europe, this requires three-phase power, while single-phase power is 7.4 kW.

Tesla continues improving the 2170 battery cell and adds updates to the manufacturing process regularly.

The Model 3's inverter uses 24 pairs of silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET chips, each rated for 650 volts.

In May 2019, Tesla began offering an optional tow bar rated for 2,000 pounds (910 kg) for Standard Range Plus and Long Range models in Europe.

In December 2019, Tesla allowed Long Range dual-motor Model 3 owners with software version 2019.40.2 to purchase a $2,000 "Acceleration Boost" upgrade. This upgrade enabled a Sport driving mode, reducing the 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time from 4.4 seconds to 3.9 seconds. Testing showed even faster times: 3.67 seconds from a standstill and 3.47 seconds with a 1-foot rollout.

The Model 3's body is mostly steel, with many panels made of aluminum.

Because the Model 3 is smaller than the Model Y, it is expected to use less energy and have a longer range.

Traditional stability control systems are not designed for dual-motor control or the fast response of electric motors. Tesla modified the control unit to address this. The cooling system was redesigned to reduce size and cost.

In August 2020, Tesla added heating hardware to the Model 3's charge port. A software update later that year enabled this feature to prevent ice buildup.

Starting in October 2023 (most markets) or January 2024 (US market), Model 3 cars received changes for the "Highland" refresh. Tesla states that 50% of the Model 3's components were updated for the 2024 Highland version. Changes included a revised suspension for better ride comfort, more noise reduction, removal of stalks on the steering column, ventilated front seats, a small rear screen, slightly improved aerodynamics, new headlights, taillights, and wheels. The shifter was removed, and gears can now be selected on the touchscreen or through the vehicle's predictive software. For emergencies, P-R-N-D buttons are located above the front windshield.

In Singapore, Tesla offers a version of the Model 3 (called the RWD 110) with a limited 110 kW (150 PS) engine output. This power cap gives the car a COE Cat A status, resulting in lower road taxes. The 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) acceleration time is 8.6 seconds (RWD: 170 kW, 231 PS, 0–100 km/h in 6.1 seconds).

Safety

In 2019, the Model 3 did very well in crash tests. It received five stars in every category from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 94% score in active safety from Euro NCAP.

The Model 3 could lose its Euro NCAP five-star rating in 2026 because it does not have physical buttons.

The car has hidden door handles. China is banning these handles because of safety concerns. Tesla must change the design by January 1, 2027, if it wants to sell cars in China. Other countries are checking if hidden door handles should also be banned.

Automobile racing

The 2024 STCC Scandinavia Touring Car Championship was fully electric, which allowed races to be held in Gothenburg’s city center. The series included, along with other car brands, race cars based on the Tesla Model 3 from Brink Motorsport. This helped Tesla make its first appearance in car racing.

Reliability

In November 2024, the Tesla Model 3 received the lowest score in a study by the Technical Inspection Association (TÜV) that compared the results of vehicle safety checks for newer cars in Germany and Austria. These checks are required by law in Germany. TÜV explained that the higher failure rate for Tesla vehicles may be because the company does not require regular maintenance. In Denmark, 23% of Tesla Model 3 cars made in 2020 failed their first safety check in 2024. This is higher than the 9% failure rate for electric cars from other companies.

Reception

• Robert Cumberford, a car-design columnist and former designer for GM, said the Model 3 has an excellent design. He praised the front part of the car, calling it better than the black plastic grille on the older Model S. He also said the Model 3’s simple and stylish look is similar to Apple products. While he criticized the car’s spoiler, he believed the Model 3’s design would remain modern and elegant even after 10 years.

• Motor Trend said the Model 3’s front design caused strong opinions, but it was likely intentional. Vanity Fair and others compared the Model 3 to the Ford Model T because both aim to be affordable and widely produced electric cars. Automotive journalist Doug DeMuro said the Model 3 is better than the BMW 340i, even though it costs $2,000 more. He called it the "coolest car of the year," based on long waiting lists and high interest. Another journalist, Alex Roy, said DeMuro focused too much on small details and missed the bigger picture.

• Toni Sacconaghi, an automotive analyst, said after testing an early Model 3 in 2017 that the car is a strong option that could help grow the electric vehicle market. However, he noted that the build quality of the test cars was poor. He also mentioned that earlier Model X cars had quality problems, which raised concerns. Sacconaghi believed the Model 3’s high production volume could overwhelm service centers if quality issues arose. Despite this, he praised the car’s ride comfort, performance, and interior space, and warned that the Model 3 might reduce sales of the more expensive Model S.

• Road & Track’s Bob Sorokanich said the Model 3 shows Tesla is thinking beyond the Model S and X. He noted that the Model S and X were meant to help people move away from traditional cars and toward the future of automobiles. The Model 3, he said, is Tesla’s most confident design, with no traditional car parts like fake radiators or driver-focused dashboards.

• In 2018, a Model 3 set a record by traveling 606.2 miles (976 km) on a single charge.

• In early 2019, Kelley Blue Book named the Model 3 the "Best Resale Value Award" winner for all cars in the U.S. It is expected to retain 69.3% of its value after three years and 48.7% after five years.

• Popular Mechanics named the Model 3 its 2018 Car of the Year. It also won the 2018 Design of the Year award from Automobile magazine.

• In the U.K., the Model 3 was named 2019 Car of the Year by Auto Express and 2020 Car of the Year by Parkers. It also won "Best Electric Car," "Best Company Car," and "Best Safety" awards.

• The Model 3 won best mid-size car in the 2019 Das Goldene Lenkrad Golden Steering Wheel awards.

• Edmunds.com named the Model 3 the top-rated electric car of 2019 and the top-rated Luxury Electric Vehicle for 2020.

• In late 2019, the Model 3 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. It also won Car of the Year in Denmark, Norway, and Switzerland.

• In 2020, a group of 29 U.K. motoring journalists named the Model 3 UK Car of the Year, praising its technology, performance, and range.

• The car was named one of the Top 10 Tech Cars by the IEEE in 2018.

• In January 2021, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus was named Large Electric Car of the Year by What Car? magazine, which gave it five stars.

• In May 2021, the Model 3 won Auto Trader UK’s New Car Award for Best Car for Families, earning four and a half stars.

• In January 2024, the Model 3 RWD was named Executive Car of the Year by What Car? magazine.

• In January 2024, the Model 3 was named Mid-Size Company Car of the Year by Auto Express, recognizing its efficiency and technology.

• In 2025, Edmunds named the Model 3 Top Rated Electric Car, praising its range, performance, and features.

Recalls

• In December 2021, 356,309 Model 3 vehicles built between 2017 and 2020 were recalled because of possible damage to the rear view camera wiring caused by using the trunk.
• In November 2022, Tesla recalled all vehicles for an over-the-air software update to fix a problem where the tail lamps on one or both sides of the vehicle might not work properly sometimes, making the vehicle less visible and increasing the risk of a crash.
• In February 2023, Tesla recalled all vehicles with the Full Self Driving Beta in the US and Canada for an over-the-air software update. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the system allowed the vehicle to exceed speed limits or move through intersections in a way that could cause crashes. Tesla disagreed with the request but followed it. The fix required the vehicle to stop completely at stop signs instead of moving slowly.
• In December 2023, Tesla recalled all models with Autosteer (the lane centering part of Autopilot) in the US for an over-the-air software update. The update added steps to ensure the driver is focused. Software version 2023.44.30 includes the fix.
• In January 2024, Tesla recalled all vehicles for an over-the-air software update that increased the font size of visual warning indicators for brake, park, and antilock brake systems to the minimum required size of 3.2mm (1/8 inch).
• In May 2024, Tesla recalled all vehicles in the US for an over-the-air software update to fix a problem where the seat belt warning might not activate if there was an "open trace in the driver seat occupancy switch." The update removed reliance on the driver seat occupancy switch, using only seat belt and ignition statuses to activate the warning. The update became available in June 2024.
• In December 2024, Tesla recalled all vehicles for an over-the-air software update to fix a problem where the tire pressure monitoring system might not provide proper warnings.
• In January 2025, Tesla recalled some 2024–2025 Model 3 and Model S vehicles and some 2023–2025 Model X and Model Y vehicles for a software update to prevent shorting the car computer. This change avoided issues like the rear view camera not displaying. Software versions 2024.44.25.3, 2024.44.25.6, or later include the fix. Computers that were damaged had to be replaced under warranty.
• In February 2025, more than 370,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles were recalled to address a possible loss of power to the electronic power-assisted steering system.
• In March 2025, 18 Model 3 and 30 Model Y vehicles made between April 3, 2025, and May 7, 2025, were recalled because the seat fasteners were not tightened properly.