Tesla is coming to India and here’s what you should know about the Model 3.

Tesla Model 3

The electric vehicle company Tesla headed by none other than Elon Musk, is all set to make its grand entry in India. In January of this year, the company confirmed that they are coming to India. The first ever plant in the country will be set up in Bangalore, Karnataka. The first car, according to the reports, will be the Model 3 which was first unveiled in 2016. Today, we will be looking at the Model 3 closely and explore its unique features.

Model 3- The futuristic EV, yet the most affordable

The model 3 might look like a futuristic EV, still it is the cheapest Tesla of the lot. It gets a good looking front and an elegant overall design. The car gets a sloping roof which gives it a coupe like look. The Model 3 gets the most simplistic interior that we have ever seem in a car of this price, but also gets some of the features which the other cars doesn’t get at this price.

Performance

The EVs are great at acceleration, and this car is not an exception. The long range model can go from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds while the performance model can do the same in just 3.5 seconds. It gets this power from a 221 HP, permanent magnet synchronous AC motors which is powered by a 80 kWh under body lithium ion battery pack.

Range and charging

Tesla Supercharger

The model 3 comes with three variants, the base variant, Standard Range Plus gets a claimed range of 263 miles (423 km), the performance one gets 315 miles (506 km) and the long range variant gets a highest 353 miles (568 km). There are many ways one can charge their Tesla, and these are, Superchargers, DC charging and 240V and 120V charging and a home charging station.

Interior and features

Tesla Model 3 interior

The Model 3 gets a very minimalistic interior with a huge central touchscreen system. The AC vents are almost invisible as they are cleverly hidden inside the dashboard. Each and every control of the vehicle can be actuated only through this touchscreen.

Tesla Model 3 Touchscreen

There are rolling buttons integrated into the steering wheels. The black interior gets a wooden finish on the dashboard which looks good. It gets heated seats not only for the front seats, but also for the rear seats including the middle seats. It also gets electric door handles, electric adjustable driver seats.

The wow features

Tesla Model 3 glass roof

The most anticipated and sophisticated feature on all the Tesla cars is the Tesla Autopilot. The vehicle can drive itself without any human intervention, including features like automatic lane changing, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. These features might not make it to our country. The next thing which makes the car look futuristic is the glass roof which is integrated into the rear glass. The glass roof also comes with UV protection filter which can restrict up to 99% UV rays coming from the sun which will help keep the interiors cool.

Price and India entry

The Tesla Model 3 base variant (rear wheel drive) is priced at $34,190 (Rs.2475140) while the long range and performance variants (both all wheel drive) are priced at $43,190 (Rs.3126683) and $51,190 (Rs.3705833). But these are not the prices at which the car will be launched in India. The first lot the vehicle will be fully build and come as a CBU (completely built unit). Not to forget the import duty which will be levied on the vehicle which will take the overall price of the car in India to Rs.60 lakhs plus (expected). Expect the car to land in our country in the mid 2021. But a car which is now almost 5 years old, coming at a premium price, should an Indian buyer consider one to buy? The answer would be, yes. Tesla cars have a separate fan base can considering this one will be the first to enter our country, the car may sell in a good number under the premium EV category.