# Tesla Model 3
The **Tesla Model 3** is a battery electric compact sedan produced by [Tesla, Inc.](https://www.edgepedia.org/tesla-inc), unveiled as a prototype in March 2016 and delivered to customers from July 2017 as the company's first mass-market electric car.[1](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/tesla-unveils-%2435%2C000-model-3-with-range-of-215-miles-392946) • [2](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/10/first-tesla-model-3-production-line-hands-elon-musk)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Unveiled | Prototype shown March 2016 in Hawthorne, California; production planned for 2017 at a starting price of $35,000[1](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/tesla-unveils-%2435%2C000-model-3-with-range-of-215-miles-392946) |
| Original specifications | 215 miles of range, 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, top speed 130 mph[3](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2017/07/29/heres-what-we-know-about-teslas-model-3/) |
| First deliveries | First production car completed July 2017; first 30 cars handed over at the Fremont factory on July 28, 2017[2](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/10/first-tesla-model-3-production-line-hands-elon-musk) • [4](https://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-tesla-model3-handover-event-20170728-story.html) |
| Refresh ("Highland") | Debuted in China in September 2023; launched in North America on January 10, 2024 at unchanged prices[5](https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/10/tesla-refreshed-model-3-highland-us-sales/) |
| Refreshed range | Up to 341 miles (EPA estimated) on a single charge[6](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhA9-JYLFyo) |
| Safety rating | Five stars from Euro NCAP in 2025 testing, named Best in Class 2025 Large Family Car[7](https://news.euroncap.com/home/tesla-model-3---euro-ncap-2025-results---5-stars/s/bf232c62-8a8a-435a-aa69-dbafc0a82459) |
| Charging | Wall Connector charging at up to 48 A (about 11 kW) with the Long Range battery; Supercharging adds up to 170 miles in 30 minutes[8](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Model3/ServiceManual/2024/en-us/GUID-F06901DC-041A-47B3-A23A-A0DAEBEA8D10.html) |
## Launch and production ramp
Tesla chief executive [Elon Musk](https://www.edgepedia.org/elon-musk) unveiled the Model 3 prototype in March 2016, positioning it as the company's first "mass-market" electric car at a starting price of $35,000.[1](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/tesla-unveils-%2435%2C000-model-3-with-range-of-215-miles-392946) • [3](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2017/07/29/heres-what-we-know-about-teslas-model-3/) The first production car rolled off the line in July 2017 and went to Musk himself, and Tesla held a handover event for the first 30 customer cars, all for employees, at its [Fremont, California](https://www.edgepedia.org/fremont-california) factory on July 28, 2017.[2](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/10/first-tesla-model-3-production-line-hands-elon-musk) • [4](https://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-tesla-model3-handover-event-20170728-story.html) At that event Musk warned of "manufacturing hell" ahead.[4](https://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-tesla-model3-handover-event-20170728-story.html)
The early production plan was deliberately constrained: Tesla expected to build 100 cars in August 2017 and more than 1,500 in September.[2](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/10/first-tesla-model-3-production-line-hands-elon-musk) The company's 2016 annual report described Model 3 as a lower-priced sedan intended for far higher volumes than the Model S or Model X, with manufacturing equipment installed at the Fremont factory and at [Gigafactory](https://www.edgepedia.org/gigafactory) 1 outside [Reno, Nevada](https://www.edgepedia.org/reno-nevada), where [Panasonic](https://www.edgepedia.org/panasonic) produced battery cells, and a stated target of 500,000 vehicles of all models in 2018.[9](https://ir.tesla.com/_flysystem/s3/sec/000156459017003118/tsla-10k_20161231-gen_0.pdf) The ramp from 2017 to 2019 was, in the account of former Tesla chief technology officer JB Straubel, an excruciating effort that nonetheless brought Tesla into the automotive big leagues.[10](https://time.com/6176778/jb-straubel-battery-problem/)
Tesla limited the Model 3's options largely to color and wheels, a choice made to speed manufacturing after the option-heavy Model X had caused production problems.[2](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/10/first-tesla-model-3-production-line-hands-elon-musk)
## The Highland refresh
A heavily updated Model 3, developed under the project code "Highland," debuted in China in September 2023 and reached Europe and other Asia-Pacific markets before North America.[5](https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/10/tesla-refreshed-model-3-highland-us-sales/) • [11](https://carnewschina.com/2023/10/23/a-second-batch-of-thousands-of-model-3-highlands-spotted-at-shanghai-port-for-export/) Tesla launched the refreshed version in the United States on January 10, 2024, at unchanged prices.[5](https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/10/tesla-refreshed-model-3-highland-us-sales/)
The update brought restyled exterior aerodynamics, a stiffer body with retuned suspension, ventilated seats, a rear touchscreen for rear passengers, up to 17 speakers, and 360-degree acoustic glass, with EPA-estimated range up to 341 miles.[6](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhA9-JYLFyo) A new Model 3 [Performance](https://www.edgepedia.org/performance) trim followed in April 2024, six years after the first Performance deliveries, with a more rear-biased torque split from its updated drive units.[12](https://www.tesla.com/fr_BE/blog/introducing-new-model-3-performance) Tesla's 2024 annual report lists the updated Model 3 among the launches it used to sustain demand.[13](https://ir.tesla.com/_flysystem/s3/sec/000162828025003063/tsla-20241231-gen.pdf)
## Safety
The Model 3 has performed strongly in independent crash testing. In [Euro NCAP](https://www.edgepedia.org/euro-ncap)'s 2019 assessment, protection of all critical body areas was good in the side barrier test, and the car scored maximum points in that part of the assessment.[14](https://www.euroncap.com/assessments/tesla/model-3/0766/) In 2025 testing of the refreshed car, Euro NCAP awarded five stars and named the Model 3 Best in Class 2025 in the Large Family Car category; in both the frontal offset and side barrier tests, protection was good for all critical body areas of both child dummies, again with maximum points.[7](https://news.euroncap.com/home/tesla-model-3---euro-ncap-2025-results---5-stars/s/bf232c62-8a8a-435a-aa69-dbafc0a82459) • [15](https://www.euroncap.com/assessments/tesla/model-3/1110/) In Australasia, the refreshed Model 3 earned a five-star ANCAP rating with 95 percent in Child Occupant Protection, the highest result recorded to date against ANCAP's 2023-2025 criteria.[16](https://ir.tesla.com/_flysystem/s3/sec/000162828025035738/tsla-20250723-gen.pdf)
NHTSA has also used the Model 3 in regulatory research: the agency tested a 2020 Model 3 in developing test procedures for FMVSS No. 305a, the electric-vehicle battery safety standard that addresses fire risk during operation, charging, and after a crash.[17](https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2024-04/FMVSS-305a-NPRM-Web-Version.pdf)
## Charging and battery
As a battery electric vehicle, the Model 3's high-voltage battery must be recharged from an external source, and the car's touchscreen and smartphone app report state of charge and remaining range.[8](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Model3/ServiceManual/2024/en-us/GUID-F06901DC-041A-47B3-A23A-A0DAEBEA8D10.html) The charge port is on the left-hand side of the vehicle. Tesla's service manual lists three main charging paths: the Mobile Connector, which plugs into a 120 V or 240 V outlet and draws up to 32 A on 240 V, about 7.7 kW; the permanently installed Wall Connector on a 240 V circuit, which the Long Range battery car accepts at up to 48 A, about 11 kW; and Tesla Superchargers for rapid charging on long trips, adding up to 170 miles of range in 30 minutes for the long range battery.[8](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Model3/ServiceManual/2024/en-us/GUID-F06901DC-041A-47B3-A23A-A0DAEBEA8D10.html) J1772 adapters allow use of public charging stations that follow the [SAE J1772](https://www.edgepedia.org/sae-j1772) specification.[8](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Model3/ServiceManual/2024/en-us/GUID-F06901DC-041A-47B3-A23A-A0DAEBEA8D10.html)
Charging time depends on outlet voltage and current, battery temperature, and auxiliary loads such as cabin heating and cooling; the vehicle heats or cools the battery before and during charging when it is outside the optimal temperature range.[8](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Model3/ServiceManual/2024/en-us/GUID-F06901DC-041A-47B3-A23A-A0DAEBEA8D10.html) Tesla advises plugging in regularly rather than waiting for a low battery, and the car enters a low-power mode at 6 percent charge to protect against complete discharge, which can permanently damage the battery.[8](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Model3/ServiceManual/2024/en-us/GUID-F06901DC-041A-47B3-A23A-A0DAEBEA8D10.html)
Cold weather reduces real-world range and slows charging. [Consumer Reports](https://www.edgepedia.org/consumer-reports) tested the scheduled-departure preconditioning feature on a 2024 Model 3 Long Range alongside two other all-wheel-drive EVs, noting that managing cabin and battery temperature in winter requires processes different from those of a gasoline car.[18](https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/how-much-do-cold-temperatures-affect-an-evs-driving-range-a5751769461/)
## Reliability and recalls
Reliability assessments of the Model 3 have varied across testers and years.
Several recalls have affected the Model 3. In February 2025 Tesla recalled more than 375,000 vehicles, including certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y cars, because the printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist could become overstressed and cause a loss of assist, addressed through a free software update; Tesla said it was unaware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths related to the condition.[19](https://apnews.com/article/cbed013def930add1bf27897ddc92103) A January 2025 recall (NHTSA 25V-002) covered Model Year 2024-2025 Model 3 vehicles in which a reverse current at power-up could short the car computer board and cause loss of the rearview camera, a noncompliance with FMVSS 111, also remedied by software update.[20](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCONL-25V002-8417.pdf)
## Market significance
The Model 3 was Tesla's entry into volume manufacturing, and its 2017-2019 ramp is credited with signaling to established carmakers that internal-combustion vehicles were on their way out.[10](https://time.com/6176778/jb-straubel-battery-problem/)
## References
1. [Tesla unveils $35,000 Model 3 with range of 215 miles, Reuters via Investing.com (April 1, 2016)](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/tesla-unveils-%2435%2C000-model-3-with-range-of-215-miles-392946)
2. [First Tesla Model 3 rolls off production line into the hands of Elon Musk, The Guardian (July 10, 2017)](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/10/first-tesla-model-3-production-line-hands-elon-musk)
3. [Elon Musk unveils Tesla Model 3. Here's everything you need to know., The Washington Post (July 29, 2017)](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2017/07/29/heres-what-we-know-about-teslas-model-3/)
4. [Elon Musk hands over first 30 Tesla Model 3s, but warns of 'manufacturing hell' ahead, Los Angeles Times (July 28, 2017)](https://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-tesla-model3-handover-event-20170728-story.html)
5. [Tesla starts selling refreshed Model 3 in the US, TechCrunch (January 10, 2024)](https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/10/tesla-refreshed-model-3-highland-us-sales/)
6. [Introducing the New Model 3, Tesla (YouTube, January 9, 2024)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhA9-JYLFyo)
7. [Tesla Model 3 - Euro NCAP 2025 Results - 5 stars - Best in Class 2025 Large Family Car, Euro NCAP (May 19, 2025)](https://news.euroncap.com/home/tesla-model-3---euro-ncap-2025-results---5-stars/s/bf232c62-8a8a-435a-aa69-dbafc0a82459)
8. [Tesla Model 3 Service Manual (2024+), General: charging](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Model3/ServiceManual/2024/en-us/GUID-F06901DC-041A-47B3-A23A-A0DAEBEA8D10.html)
9. [Tesla 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC](https://ir.tesla.com/_flysystem/s3/sec/000156459017003118/tsla-10k_20161231-gen_0.pdf)
10. [JB Straubel Has a Fix for the Battery Problem, TIME](https://time.com/6176778/jb-straubel-battery-problem/)
11. [Model 3 Highlands spotted at Shanghai terminal ready for export, CarNewsChina (October 23, 2023)](https://carnewschina.com/2023/10/23/a-second-batch-of-thousands-of-model-3-highlands-spotted-at-shanghai-port-for-export/)
12. [Introducing the New Model 3 Performance, Tesla Belgique (April 2024)](https://www.tesla.com/fr_BE/blog/introducing-new-model-3-performance)
13. [Tesla 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC](https://ir.tesla.com/_flysystem/s3/sec/000162828025003063/tsla-20241231-gen.pdf)
14. [Euro NCAP assessment: Tesla Model 3 (2019 tests)](https://www.euroncap.com/assessments/tesla/model-3/0766/)
15. [Euro NCAP assessment: Tesla Model 3 (2025 tests)](https://www.euroncap.com/assessments/tesla/model-3/1110/)
16. [Tesla Q2 2025 Form 10-Q, SEC](https://ir.tesla.com/_flysystem/s3/sec/000162828025035738/tsla-20250723-gen.pdf)
17. [FMVSS No. 305a NPRM, NHTSA (2024)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2024-04/FMVSS-305a-NPRM-Web-Version.pdf)
18. [Cold Temperatures Affect an Electric Vehicle's Driving Range, Consumer Reports](https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/how-much-do-cold-temperatures-affect-an-evs-driving-range-a5751769461/)
19. [Tesla recalling more than 375,000 vehicles due to power steering issue, AP News (February 21, 2025)](https://apnews.com/article/cbed013def930add1bf27897ddc92103)
20. [NHTSA Recall No. 25V-002, Tesla rearview camera noncompliance](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCONL-25V002-8417.pdf)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Transport and spaceflight › Road transport › Automobiles › American automobile models › Full-size and family sedans*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Edited: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Last review: Oct 15, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license