Motoring Today

Tesla Model 3 cost of ownership

Real numbers from 7 Tesla Model 3 cars in stock — finance, VED, fuel mix and depreciation.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

How much does it cost to run a Tesla Model 3?

The typical Tesla Model 3 on Motoring Today costs around £327/mo on representative PCP/HP finance. Annual VED, fuel mix and total cost are itemised below.

Median price
£21,250
Median £/mo
£327

With 7 Tesla Model 3 vehicles currently available on Motoring Today, ranging from 2019 to 2024 models, this popular electric saloon offers a compelling choice for many drivers. Starting from a cash price of £12,995, or from a representative monthly payment of £290, owning a used Model 3 involves considering several key expenses beyond the initial purchase. Finance options are always subject to status, with detailed calculators available on this page to help you understand your specific scenario. Understanding the true cost of ownership involves looking at ongoing expenses. For an electric vehicle like the Model 3, 'fuel' costs relate to electricity, which can vary based on charging at home, public chargers, or Tesla's Supercharger network. Insurance premiums are another significant factor, influenced by the car's performance, your driving history, and where you live. Road tax, or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), for electric vehicles is currently different from petrol or diesel cars, but it's an important consideration as regulations can change. Servicing requirements for electric cars are generally less frequent and often cheaper than those for internal combustion engine vehicles, with fewer moving parts. However, regular maintenance, such as tyre wear and brake fluid checks, is still necessary. Finally, depreciation, while not a direct monthly outlay, represents the loss in value over time and is a substantial part of the total cost of ownership. This page and its tools are designed to help you explore these real running costs in detail.

Tesla Model 3 insurance group

41–50 of 50

Median price
£21,250
From £14,500
Median monthly finance
£327/mo
Representative PCP/HP
Median CO₂
—
Drives ULEZ + VED
Est. depreciation
—
Vs. original list price

Fuel cost at today's prices (updated quarterly)

Estimated fuel cost
£617 / year
Cost per mile
7.7p / mile

Typical Tesla Model 3 running cost for a private driver at 8,000 miles/year. Based on ~3.5 miles/kWh home charging, at a typical home electricity tariff of 27p/kWh domestic electricity (updated 1 Apr 2026).

Pump prices: DESNZ weekly road fuel prices; electricity: DESNZ Quarterly Energy Prices — both Open Government Licence v3.0, updated weekly/quarterly. An estimate for comparison, not a guaranteed cost; your economy, mileage and tariff will vary.

Official MPG, CO₂ & insurance by trim

Trim-level specifications for the Tesla Model 3 (Electric), across 10 recorded variants.

Performance
241–453 bhp
Power
2.9s
0–60 mph (fastest)
163 mph
Top speed
Economy & running costs
0 g/km
CO₂
394 mi
Electric range (max)
88 kWh
Battery (max)
£0
Road tax (VED)
41–50 of 50
Insurance group
Dimensions & practicality
4,694 mm
Length
2,088 mm
Width
1,443 mm
Height
2,875 mm
Wheelbase
1,828 kg
Weight
5
Seats
4
Doors
Euro NCAP safety
5-star · tested 2019
94%
Safety assist

The Tesla Model 3 was tested by Euro NCAP in 2019 and was awarded a 5 star overall rating. This overall rating is calculated from the following individual ratings:

Automatic 5 seats New from £41,990
TrimFuelPowerMPGCO₂Ins.
Performance AWD 4dr AutoAutomaticElectric453 bhp—048
Long Range AWD 4dr AutoAutomaticElectric346 bhp—041
Long Range RWD 4dr AutoAutomaticElectric279 bhp—050
RWD 4dr AutoAutomaticElectric241 bhp—050

Manufacturer specifications aggregated across recorded trims; individual cars vary by options and age. Figures are a guide — confirm exact spec with the seller.

Annual VED (road tax) bands

CO₂ bandAnnual VEDShare of stock
Zero-emission (standard rate)£200100%

Indicative standard-rate VED. Cars over £40k list price pay an additional supplement for years 2–6.

Fuel mix in stock

Electric · 100%

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a Tesla Model 3?
The cost of owning a Tesla Model 3 involves several components: 'fuel' (electricity for charging, which is typically cheaper than petrol or diesel), insurance premiums, annual road tax (currently zero for electric vehicles in the UK until 2025), servicing costs, and depreciation. You can buy a used Tesla Model 3 from £12,800 or from £324 per month on finance, subject to status.
Is a used Tesla Model 3 expensive to maintain?
Maintenance costs for a used Tesla Model 3 are generally considered lower than equivalent petrol or diesel cars due to fewer moving parts. However, the cost will vary based on the car's age, mileage, and individual component wear and tear. Specific maintenance schedules and potential repair costs should be factored into your budget.
How many used Tesla Model 3 cars are for sale?
Currently, there are 8 used Tesla Model 3 vehicles available for sale, spanning model years from 2019 to 2024. Finance options are available and subject to status; detailed calculators are provided on this page.

More Tesla Model 3 resources