The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD’s 137 MPGe combined rating makes it an efficient electric vehicle. This isn’t about saving money on gas; it’s about choosing a different way to travel. Drivers who choose this Model 3 want range and efficiency and appreciate Tesla’s sleek design and technology. They are ready to invest more at the start for long-term benefits. These benefits are both financial and related to lower fuel costs.

City and highway performance

The Model 3 Long Range RWD does well in both city and highway driving, with EPA-estimated ratings of 145 MPGe in the city and 128 MPGe on the highway. The higher city MPGe shows how well regenerative braking works. This system recovers energy when slowing down, which happens often in city traffic. The highway MPGe, while a bit lower, is still very high. This demonstrates the Model 3’s aerodynamic shape and the basic efficiency of an electric powertrain at constant speeds. The similar city and highway MPGe figures are very different from gasoline cars, which usually use much more fuel on the highway.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD at $550. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year with a set amount of city and highway driving, using the national average electricity price at the time of calculation. This cost is much less than what you’d spend on gas for a similar-sized, performing car with similar features. Remember, this number will change based on local electricity prices and driving habits, but $550 is less than many households spend on coffee each year.

Real-world expectations

The EPA data is helpful, but the real-world MPGe for the Model 3 Long Range RWD will change based on a few things. Quick acceleration, using the air conditioning a lot, and cold weather can all lower efficiency and range. On the other hand, driving gently, warming up the car while it’s plugged in, and using the car’s energy-saving features can help increase MPGe. Owners often report numbers close to the EPA estimates, but individual results can be different.

How it compares

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD is unique compared to other vehicles. Looking at other electric vehicles, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 Long Range RWD gets an EPA-estimated 140 MPGe combined, which is a bit better. Still, the Model 3 is often more popular because of its brand. Compared to gasoline cars, even the most efficient non-hybrid sedans aren’t as good. For example, a Toyota Camry LE gets about 32 MPG combined. When thinking about buying a Model 3 Long Range RWD, it’s not just about the highest “MPG,” but about all the good things about owning an electric vehicle performance, technology, and sustainability. You can view all Tesla fuel economy data to see how this model compares to others from the same brand, or look at MODEL MPG across all years to see how the model has changed over time.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Warm up your car while it’s plugged in, especially when it’s cold. This uses electricity from the outlet instead of the battery, saving range. Heated seats don’t use as much energy as the climate control system, so use them for personal comfort when you can.

Pay attention to your driving and don’t accelerate too quickly. Electric vehicles have a lot of power right away, but driving hard uses up the battery fast. Accelerating smoothly and slowly saves energy and increases your range. The Tesla’s energy graph shows you how much energy you’re using in real-time, so you can adjust your driving to be more efficient.

Check your tire pressure often and keep them inflated properly. Tires with not enough air increase rolling resistance, which lowers efficiency. Look at the sticker on your driver’s side door for the right tire pressure.

Use regenerative braking well. Teslas let you change how much regen you use. Try “Standard” regen to get the most energy back when you slow down. Think ahead and let off the accelerator early to start regen and recover energy instead of just using the brakes.