Tesla is undoubtedly the most famous electric car company in the world, with the now-ubiquitous Model 3 one of the most popular EVs of the past decade.
This is a broad overview of what you need to know about buying a Tesla electric car. The EV market is changing fast (almost as fast as a Model 3 can accelerate), so this page will be updated regularly.
Buying a Tesla electric car
What fully electric cars does Tesla sell?
The Model 3 saloon and Model Y crossover are the two Tesla electric cars currently on sale in the UK.
Both the larger Model S saloon and Model X SUV are available on the used car market, while the Cybertruck (an electric pick-up with sci-fi styling) is also listed on Tesla’s UK website.
Which Tesla electric cars are coming soon?
A facelifted Tesla Model Y will arrive in 2025, followed by Tesla’s long-awaited compact EV. The latter will be used as the foundation for a self-driving Robotaxi, while the company is also expected to launch a long-awaited new version of the Tesla Roadster.
Tesla has removed the option to pre-order a Cybertruck, so don’t be surprised if it doesn’t come to the UK.
What is Tesla’s electric car brand called?
Tesla has always been an electric-only company, so it doesn’t have a separate electric car brand.
What is the warranty on a Tesla electric car battery?
Tesla offers an eight-year warranty on its electric car batteries, although the specific terms vary according to the model. For example, on rear-wheel drive versions of the Model 3 and Model Y, the warranty period is eight years or 150,000 miles. But the limit is 120,000 miles on other versions.
The battery warranty on the old Model S and Model X was eight years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Where can you buy a Tesla electric car?
You can buy a Tesla via the website or by visiting one of the company’s showrooms. Popular locations include London (Westfield White City and Canary Wharf), Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh.
How much do Tesla electric cars cost?
The entry-level Model 3 costs just shy of £40,000, rising to £60,000 for the Performance All-Wheel Drive model. Model Y prices range from £47,000 for the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive to £60,000 for the Performance All-Wheel Drive version.
Charging a Tesla electric car
What type of plug do Tesla EVs use?
Both the Model 3 and Model Y use the CCS standard for combined AC and DC charging.
What charging equipment comes as standard with a Tesla electric car?
A new Tesla electric car will come with a three-pin plug and cable for domestic charging. However, this is a slow process and best reserved for emergency use only.
Can Tesla electric cars use rapid chargers?
Yes, Tesla electric cars can use rapid chargers.
Can Tesla electric cars use Ionity chargers?
Yes, because all current Tesla electric cars have CCS connectors, they are able to use the Ionity charging network.
Where is the charging point located on a Tesla electric car?
The charging point on both the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y is located on the passenger side of the car, built into the rear light cluster.
Which charge partner does Tesla work with?
Tesla operates its own proprietary Tesla Supercharger network.
What is the Tesla wallbox called?
The Tesla home wallbox is called the Wall Connector.
Which wallbox options does Tesla offer?
The Tesla Wall Connector can charge at speeds up to 22kW with three-phase charging grids and is compatible with any Type 2 charge port.
Do you get a free wallbox when you buy a new Tesla electric car?
No, the Tesla Wall Connector costs £475 excluding installation.
What is the Tesla charging service?
Tesla’s charging service is called Supercharging. There are more than 60,000 Superchargers around the world, with the UK boasting around 1,100 Superchargers at 110 different locations.
Do Tesla electric cars have an on-board DC charger?
Yes, Tesla electric cars are equipped with an on-board charger (OBC) for converting AC power into DC power.
What is the maximum charging speed of a Tesla electric car?
Both the Model 3 and Model Y have maximum charging speeds of 250kW, although more affordable 170kW versions are also available.
Driving a Tesla electric car
What is the range of a Tesla electric car?
The range of the Model 3 depends on the version you choose. For example, the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive model can travel up 436 miles between charges, while the standard Rear-Wheel Drive model offers an official 318 miles of range. The Long Range All-Wheel Drive model delivers the best balance of performance and distance, with 390 miles quoted.
The Model Y sacrifices some range for practicality, with the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive able to travel up to 373 miles between charges. The Long Range All-Wheel Drive and Performance All-Wheel Drive offer an official 331 miles and 319 miles, respectively.
What is the Tesla electric car smartphone app called?
The smartphone app is simply called ‘Tesla’.
How many Tesla dealers are there?
Tesla doesn’t operate traditional car dealers, but it does have a network of stores, service centres and delivery centres. There are around 40 outlets in the UK.
Does Tesla’s sat-nav show charging point locations and availability?
Yes, the Tesla sat-nav shows charging locations and whether those chargers are available. It also offers a route-finding service, anticipating the car’s charging needs by calculating the amount of energy likely to remain when you reach your destination.
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