raveling with a Tesla Model 3 Long Range might sound like a dream, but with the right planning, it’s more efficient than most people think. In this article, I’ll share real-world consumption figures, driving conditions, and insights from my own experience on the road.
What’s the Real-World Range of a Tesla Model 3 Long Range?
Tesla officially claims a WLTP range of over 600 km (about 370 miles), but real-world driving conditions can significantly affect that number.
Key Factors That Impact Range
- Average speed – The faster you go, the higher the energy consumption.
- Weather – Cold temperatures and strong winds can reduce efficiency.
- Elevation changes – Climbing hills and mountains increases consumption.
- Weight – Extra passengers, luggage, or gear add to the load and reduce range.
My Experience: Real Consumption in Different Scenarios
Here’s what I recorded during long highway drives under different conditions:
| Condition | Average speed | Energy consumption | Estimated real range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat road, mild weather | 100–110 km/h | 14.5 kWh/100km | ~520 km |
| Hills & wind | 120 km/h | 18–19 kWh/100km | ~420 km |
| Mountain roads | 90–100 km/h | 20–22 kWh/100km | ~350 km |
What Does This Mean?
Even with variables, driving at 100 km/h can give you over 500 km of real-world range, which is more than enough if you’re traveling across Europe where chargers are well distributed.
How Much Does It Cost to Drive 100 km in a Tesla?
It depends on where you charge:
- Tesla Superchargers: €0.40–€0.60 per kWh → about €7–€10 per 100 km.
- Free chargers (hotels, malls, etc.): €0.
- Public or slow chargers: €0.25–€0.35 per kWh.
➡️ Compared to gasoline, a Tesla is 2–3 times cheaper per kilometer driven.
Tips to Optimize Consumption on Long Trips
- Maintain a steady speed (ideally 100–110 km/h).
- Use Chill Mode to reduce aggressive acceleration.
- Set regenerative braking to “Standard” for max energy recovery.
- Don’t stress about uphill drives — you’ll recover energy on the way down.
Final Thoughts
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range is a fantastic road trip machine — as long as you have a charging strategy and keep an eye on your real-time consumption. Under normal conditions, you can travel long distances at a very low cost, making it perfect for cross-country or even transcontinental journeys like EchoRoute.