Tesla Model 3...the lowdown

Finally the Model 3 has arrived and been spotted on the wild suburban streets of Australia and NZ.

And while we've read the reviews from overseas, we thought we'd have a deeper dive into how this almost-folkloric EV is being received, it's specs, cost and what we can expect to see at charging stations around the country as Tesla continue to ship in the pre-orders.

Make no mistake, this is a premium product...

...and you're not going to get your hands on one for under AU$70k.

But, if the enthusiasm of the Model 3s newest owners is anything to go by, it might be worth selling a kidney to get one of these in your driveway.

From the short list of Aussies who now do, the reception has been pretty positive. Impressed by the elegance, power and sheer pleasure of driving electric, Tesla devotees are stretching their budgets - quite considerably, given three years ago the rumoured purchase price was around half of today's purchase price - as well as forking out the luxury car tax, to secure their motor....oops, we mean frunk.

As well as social media posts sharing pithy Model 3 names, paint protection tips and Tesla-focused unnecessary-but-cool-to-have accessories, the Aussie and NZ EV community are organising boot camps. Usually in city locations, those-that-have introduce the Model 3 to the those-who-haven't (yet) to share a bunch of info and nerd out together.

Surely Elon can't have got it ALL right?

Well, no. There have been some domestic issues with the Model 3, including minor paintwork problems, lags in delivery dates, the massive blow-out in entry level price and, apparently, some people getting their Model 3 before others higher on the waiting list.

Given Tesla bashing is practically a sport these days, there are a multitude of videos on YouTube if you want to check it out for yourself. Just search for 'Tesla fails' or 'Why I love the smell of diesel in the morning' or similar.

Realistically though, paintwork scratches and bubbles, and the allegedly offhand customer service from some of the Australian-based Tesla staff isn't good enough for a vehicle that costs three times the average Aussie salary. Sorry Elon.

Tesla has responded to these issues by replacing and repairing damaged Model 3s and have overall been apologetic, so hopefully they will keep their standards high on future Model 3 production.

What are the specs?

Pretty impressive.

When you consider the brand new Porsche Taycan EV can get from 1 to 100km/h in under 3.5 seconds, but will cost somewhere between $100 and $200k, you can see how well even the Standard Range Plus Model 3 compares.

Let's pitch it against something less supercar-y, like the Hyundai Kona EV; the Kona can get you to 100km/h from a standing start in around 7.3 seconds. And will cost roughly the same as the SRP.

Current pricing and other stats are highlighted in this graphic for easy comparison.

How do I charge my Tesla Model 3?

Easily the most important question! Without great charging options, then frankly you're going to struggle to enjoy - or even efficiently use - your Model 3.

Aussie Model 3s are akin to the European model with CCS2 (left) and Type 2 (right) plugs, the most common connectors in recent electric vehicles.

When you get your Model 3 delivered, it arrives with two types of charger; a High-Powered Wall Connector (HPWC) and a Universal Mobile Connector (UMC).

The HPWC is the easy option for charging your Model 3 at home but lacks a whole bunch of features, such as wi-fi connectivity or the ability to prioritise your self-generated solar power while charging.

The UMC is great for chucking in the boot so you can charge while out and about, but also has the slowest rate of charge, taking up to 9 hours to fill the battery from empty.

How do I intelligently charge my Tesla Model 3?

We go on about this amazing product a lot. And for good reason; the Myenergi Zappi takes the power from your rooftop solar and directs it to your Model 3.

If you start pulling power in another part of the house, the Zappi redirects and recalibrates the charge flow so you're STILL using your own solar and not the dirty coal stuff from the grid. When coupled with the Eddi, it can also heat your water or your home.

All of which is why we describe it as eco-smart intelligent EV charging.

The Model 3 overall?

Roughly a month into the Australian roll out of the Model 3, the rumours and innuendo seem to be true.

This EV is the top of its class in high performance electric vehicles and it would be foolish to deny the Model 3 is an important player in the Australian EV market.

The big question now that it's landed though is what can Tesla enthusiasts anticipate and speculate on now?

Thankfully, images of the Tesla Y have begun to emerge overseas, so watch this space...