Which Tesla model should I choose?

Despite being one of the best-known electric vehicle brands, brand recognition doesn’t help you to choose the right Tesla model for your lifestyle. Which is why we’ve created this handy guide to compare the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X answering questions like these along the way:

• What are the main differences in Tesla Models?
• Why are people so excited about the Tesla Model 3?
• What are the Tesla Model 3’s best aspects?

What are the main differences in Tesla Models?

They all look sleek and futuristic, they all seat five people and they’re all plug-in electric vehicles. But there are some key differences in performance, space and style between the Tesla Models S, X and 3.

The Tesla Model X is a SUV-style electric vehicle whereas the Tesla Model S is a hatchback and the Tesla Model 3 a saloon, with the S and X coming in at similar size and weight compared with the Model 3 which is the slightly smaller car.

The bigger alpha models offer 475 litres of boot space in comparison to the Model 3’s 425 litres. However, with the back seats folded down, the Tesla Model 3 gives you 1.67 metres (66 inches) of space which, as Elon Musk himself has suggested, is enough room to camp out in.

What is the horse power of a Tesla electric motor?

As with all fully electric vehicles, the Tesla models are automatic. However, that doesn’t prevent them from offering some serious battery power: the Tesla Model X and the Tesla Model S both offer 417 of brake horse power (bhp) whereas the Tesla Model 3 provides 241 bhp.

This translates to a top speed of 140 mph in the Tesla Model 3 in comparison to the Tesla Model S and Model X which both top out at 155 mph.

So far, so similar between models S and X, however, there is a difference in torque (the amount of rotational force the engine produces) between these models. The Tesla Model S offers the most power with 713lbs of torque per RPM compared to the Tesla Model X which provides 485lbs/RPM and the Model 3 which offers 387lbs/RPM.

In electric cars, torque is produced equally across the engine’s range of acceleration so it impacts the speed a car can accelerate at. The higher the torque, the faster the 0-62mph time as you can see from these stats:

• Tesla Model X – 0-62mph in 5 seconds
• Tesla Model S – 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds
• Tesla Model 3 – 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds

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

The answer to this question depends on which size battery you opt for in the vehicle and where you’re charging. The Model X and the Model S are both super charge enabled so they can be charged more quickly than the Model 3.

Data from PodPoint provides metrics in ranges to account for the different battery sizes available with each model.

The Tesla Model S and the Tesla Model X:

• Can be charged from empty to full in:
  • five to six hours using a 22kW rapid charger
  • 11 to 15 hours using a 7kW charger
• Using the rapid supercharger connector, their batteries could be charged from 20% to 80% on a public 150kW charger in 30 minutes
• Charging the battery from empty to full at home works out as a rough cost of £10 – £13.30
• Charging the battery in public on a rapid charger from 20% to 80% would cost roughly £10.26 – £13.68

For the Tesla Model 3:

• The battery can be charged from empty to full in:
  • five to seven hours using a 22kW rapid charger
  • eight to 11 hours using a 7kW charger
• Using the rapid supercharger connector, the battery could be charged from 20% to 80% on a public 150kW charger in 20 minutes
• Charging the battery from empty at home would cost roughly £7.32 to £9.98
• Charging the battery in public on a rapid charger from 20% to 80% would cost about £7.52 – £10.26

Why are people so excited about the Tesla Model 3?

While Tesla’s are certainly desirable, for many the first models were out of reach financially. That was a conscious strategy by Tesla who planned to build more expensive models first and plough the profits back into designing and making more affordable models.

The Tesla Model 3 is the results of that strategy. With a lower price point, it places electric car technology – with the same beautiful sleek design and great features – in the hands of those with more moderate means.

Find out more with our quick Q&A on the Tesla Model 3:

Q – What are the Tesla Model 3’s best aspects?

A – Price point is certainly the headline benefit with the Tesla Model 3 costing around £26,400 – half the cost of the Tesla Model S.

However, you still get a lot of driving for your dollar. Even the basic Tesla Model 3 provides great range (more on this below), the same extremely high levels of safety standards as the other models and Wi-fi connectivity and dual zone climate control. Choose to upgrade and you’ll enjoy a premium sound system with subwoofer, smartphone docking points and enhanced autopilot amongst other benefits.

Q – What is the mileage of the Tesla Model 3?

A – The Tesla Model 3 has a worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure (WLTP) range of 254-329 miles depending on the usual factors like driving conditions, use of air conditioning and load. This is not far off the Tesla Model S’ WLTP range of 280 to 375 miles and the Tesla Model X WLTP range of 230 to 315 miles.

Choosing the right Tesla model for you might come down to cold hard cash which will likely nudge you towards the Model 3. But if your budget is big enough to accommodate the larger Models S and X and you want the additional power and added features that come as standard, these could be the cars for you.  Tusker offer the entire Tesla range, subject to your quote and scheme settings, which you can quote for by logging into your account today.