The 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range gets 130 MPG combined, a figure redefining expectations for a practical, family sedan. This car avoids gas stations completely, a core Tesla principle and a key reason buyers choose it.

City and highway performance

The EPA numbers show 136 MPG in the city and 123 MPG on the highway. This difference, unusual for gasoline car drivers, illustrates the efficiency of electric motors in stop-and-go traffic. Regenerative braking, a key Model 3 feature, captures kinetic energy during deceleration and converts it back into electricity, recovering energy usually lost as heat in conventional brake systems. City driving, with frequent stops, allows maximum regeneration, boosting efficiency. Highway driving, while still efficient, relies more on sustained power output to overcome aerodynamic drag.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range at $600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average electricity price. Individual charging costs vary depending on location, time of day, and charging method (home, public charger, or Tesla Supercharger), but this $600 offers a useful comparison point for long-term ownership costs.

Real-world expectations

Like any vehicle, real-world efficiency depends on driving style, weather, and terrain. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and sustained high speeds reduce overall range, raising the “fuel” cost per mile. Extremely cold temperatures also negatively affect battery performance, since energy is used to maintain optimal battery temperature. However, even in less-than-ideal conditions, Model 3 owners consistently experience lower operating costs than comparable gasoline-powered vehicles. Many Model 3 Long Range drivers track their efficiency using the onboard energy consumption tools to optimize their driving. Owners value both performance and the satisfaction of reducing emissions.

How it compares

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range differs greatly from gasoline-powered cars. A BMW 330i from the same year is rated at 29 MPG combined, and an Audi A4 achieves 31 MPG. These numbers, respectable for gasoline sedans, are far behind the Model 3. Even hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius (52 MPG combined) are much lower. The real competition for the Model 3 is in the electric vehicle segment. The Chevrolet Bolt achieves 119 MPGe combined, and the Nissan LEAF nets 112 MPGe. Neither offers the range, performance, or charging infrastructure support that Tesla has cultivated. The Model 3 buyer wants effortless long-distance travels, something harder to get on the Bolt and LEAF. See all Tesla fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use regenerative braking. Experiment with different settings (Standard vs. Low) to find the best level for your driving style and energy recovery, especially in city driving. Anticipate stops and ease off the accelerator early to let the regenerative system work, rather than using the friction brakes.

Precondition the battery before driving, especially in cold weather. Use the Tesla app to remotely heat (or cool) the cabin and warm the battery before your trip. This reduces the energy needed to heat the battery while driving, improving efficiency. Cold weather reduces battery capacity, so pre-heating while plugged in helps.

Monitor your energy consumption through the Tesla’s touchscreen. Watch the energy graph and efficiency score, and adjust your driving accordingly. Monitoring helps you find areas where you can improve efficiency. You can access MODEL MPG across all years to see how they compare.

Use the navigation system even on familiar routes. The Tesla navigation system optimizes routes for energy efficiency and alerts you to potential range limitations. It factors in elevation changes, traffic, and charging locations to provide the most efficient route.

Minimize aerodynamic drag. Remove unnecessary items from the roof rack or cargo area to reduce wind resistance. Ensure proper tire inflation to the recommended pressure, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency.