Tesla has quickly become synonymous with electric vehicles, known for their innovative tech and long range on their whole fleet. As such, it’s no wonder the Tesla Model 3 is one of the most popular electrical vehicles purchased in Ireland.

The Tesla Model 3 has a mileage range of up to an incredible 675 km (420 miles), and a starting price of around €41,000 for the base model and around €56,000 for the All-Wheel performance model. Although prices may vary, there is an extensive range of extras which can be added for an additional price.

Can I charge the Tesla Model 3 at home?

Absolutely! Similar to many electric vehicles, the Model 3 comes equipped with a standard type 2 charging port.

Using the supplied charger and a standard 3 pin-plug at home, you would need to wait around 39 hours for a full charge. As mentioned above, this isn’t the most convenient way in which to charge as most of us don’t want to wait a day and a half for a charge.

However, using a 7kW home EV charger will see this time dramatically reduced to just over 8 hours. As with all of the cars in the Tesla fleet, the Model 3 is also compatible with the Tesla Supercharger which can charge your vehicle from 10% to 80% in as little as 25 minutes!

It should be noted that these rapid chargers can cost more to use and they will also cause additional degradation to your battery if they become your preferred charging method. Opting for a smart home charger, like zappi is the best way to ensure consistent charging and to ensure longevity in your battery life.

Where is the charging port on the Tesla Model 3?

The charge port is located on the left side of Model 3, behind a door that is part of the rear tail light. To access this, you will need to ensure your vehicle is switched off and then either use the internal touchscreen, pressing the bottom of the charge port whilst the vehicle is unlocked or using voice command.

Of course you’ll need to ensure the car is switched off, as it won’t allow charging otherwise. It is also not safe to charge the Tesla Model 3 in a contained space, like a garage, which is why it’s best to have your home charger installed on to an outside wall.

How much does it cost to charge the Tesla Model 3?

There are a number of different factors which contribute to the cost of charging any electric vehicle. Charging your vehicle at home is nearly always the most cost effective way to charge the Tesla Model 3, but even this can vary depending on whether you’re using a smart EV charger with a flexible tariff or not.

If you’re looking to calculate the average cost of charging your Tesla Model 3 at home, this is around €35 from empty to full based on average electric costs in Ireland (as calculated in May 2024). It’s unlikely you’ll ever charge your battery from 0% to 100% as it’s recommended to keep your battery between 10% and 80% to ensure optimum battery health.

If your home has its own renewable energy source, like solar or wind, then you can use a zappi to charge your Tesla Model 3 using renewable energy. Not only does this make your drive even more eco-friendly, it can save you more money.

What is the range on the Tesla Model 3?

The range of the Tesla Model 3 depends on which variation of the electric vehicle you’re considering purchasing. The entry level model has an average range of around 200 miles (321km) where as the performance variation is closer to 290 miles (466km).

As with all electric vehicles, this range is completely dependent on a large variety of factors including weather conditions, driving conditions and whether you’re using the air conditioning. If you drive in the most economical way possible, you could see a driving range of as much as 420 miles (675km).