Own A Tesla Model 3 For Less Than a Tank of Fuel

With skyrocketing petrol prices and climate change an ever-increasing factor in our decisions, the list of pros for owning a Tesla is getting longer by the day. Without compromising one iota on performance or style, going electric can help you save the environment and some serious coin at the bowser.

And now, as hard as it is to believe, you could even be lucky enough to choose to go electric with your very own Model 3 for less than the price of a tank of fuel… at 80s prices.

One of three amazing prize options in Endeavour Foundation’s Ultimate Life Changer lottery is a supercharged Tesla package including, not one, but two Model 3s valued at $199,092 for the pair. The prize also includes over $300,000 in gold bullion – more than enough to install a Tesla charging station at your place. 

More than stacking up against its petrol-guzzling counterparts, the new dual-motor, AWD Model 3 Performance is not just for the early adopters. 

Although, you have to be quick to catch one.

Partly thanks to some stealthy, aerodynamic styling, the Model 3 can go from 0-100km/h in just 3.3 seconds and clocks in with a top speed of 261km/h.

Inside, the sleek lines continue with a minimalistic interior fit-out that definitely falls into the ‘less is more category’. At the centre of this pared back aesthetic is the enormous 15-inch touchscreen which controls pretty much everything. The other unmissable feature is the glass roof delivering amazing views and UV protection to every seat.

But still the question remains, what’s it really like to own an electric car?

Here we’ve put together the answers to the most asked questions about driving and ‘re-fuelling’ an all-electric machine like the Model 3. You might be surprised just how easy and convenient it can be.

Where can I recharge my Tesla?

From Port Douglas to Hobart, the Tesla charging network extends right down the length of Australia’s east coast and is quickly spreading out like tentacles from our state capitals. You’ll find Tesla’s ultra-fast Superchargers along the main routes, particularly closer to capital cities. The remainder of the network is made up of Tesla destination chargers with charging speeds anywhere from 3kW to 22kW per hour.

To make it easy to plan your route, the Tesla comes with an in-built Trip Planner which can be accessed via your touchscreen. Simply enter a destination and the Trip Planner will whip up the best route with charge stations highlighted along the way.

Even Australia’s most remote destinations are becoming part of the network, with charging stations popping up in locations like Broome, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs and even Uluru.

The reality is though, if you have access to power and plenty of time on your hands, your Tesla could even take you on a ‘Big Lap’ of Oz.

How much does it cost to recharge?

Charging prices can vary depending on where you are and the pug-in time, but it typically costs just over 50 cents per kWh to charge your vehicle at a Tesla Supercharger station in Australia. With the Model 3’s energy consumption sitting at around 13.1kWh per 100kms, this means it would cost less than $7 to drive 100 clicks – a bargain compared to equivalent petrol-powered competitors considering current fuel prices.

Of course, Tesla doesn’t have the monopoly on charging though. Plug into competing charging brand like Chargefox and Evie and you could pay up to 60 cents per kW/h for ultra-fast charging. But if you’re savvy and plan your stops ahead, you could save even more money. NRMA’s network is currently free for both members and non-members (however it is expected non-members will be charged in the future).

How long does it take to recharge?

Charging times can vary greatly depending on where you’re plugging in.

Plug your Model 3 into a Tesla Supercharger and your Model 3 can be fully charged in around 30 minutes. Plug into mains power via a powerpoint at home and it could take up to 32 hours to reach full charge. However, if your routine consists of the typical urban ‘running around’, all you need to do is plug in for a top up each night and you’ll be good to go the next morning. 

Or if you’re setting off on a road trip, seek out one of Tesla’s super-fast 250kW Superchargers and you can add up to 299 kilometres of range in just 15 minutes. Just long enough for a quick comfort stop, coffee and then you can be on your way again. Too easy.

How far can I go on a single charge?

The answer to this question depends on which Model 3 you buy. Tesla’s base Rear-Wheel-Drive Model 3 can travel up to 491km on a single charge. Upgrade to the Performance model or the Long Range AWD and that figure increases significantly to 547km and a whopping 602kms respectively.

Tesla bases these estimates on the WLTP standard for measuring electric vehicle driving range, using a 30-minute test cycle incorporating urban and non-urban driving at different speeds, with stops, acceleration, and braking.

Owning a Tesla could be the ultimate life change

Keen to make the choice to go electric? Then grab a $10 ticket in our latest Ultimate Life Changer lottery. If you’re the lucky winner, you could be choosing Endeavour Foundation’s Supercharged Tesla package including two Performance Model 3s valued at $199,092 and just over $300,000 in cashable gold bullion.

But to make sure you’re making the right decision, check out the other two Ultimate Life Changer prizes up for grabs, then buy your ticket today.

Buy Tickets