2021 Tesla Model 3 Range, MPGe and Charging Cost
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is rated 113 to 142 MPGe, with 263 to 353 miles of EPA range across 3 versions.
EPA fuel economy
2021 Tesla Model 3 · 3 EPA-tested versionsMost efficient version
142MPGe combined
150 city 133 highway
$550 a year to charge
263 mi range
24 kWh per 100 mi
Electric · RWD
Longest range
134MPGe combined
141 city 127 highway
$550 a year to charge
353 mi range
25 kWh per 100 mi
Electric · AWD · Long Range
Best version saves $8,250 in fuel over 5 years vs the average new vehicle (EPA)
Fuel cost: 15,000 miles a year at EPA's $0.15 per kWh.
At EPA's $0.15 per kWh, charging costs $550 to $650 a year. Compared with 2020, the best electric version is up 1 MPGe.
More complaints than most Model 3 years
The 2021 drew 504 owner complaints in its first three years, against about 284 for a typical Model 3 year: 1.7 times as many. It is not a year to avoid, which takes at least twice the typical count and at least 50 complaints.
Years to avoid: 2022. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Every Model 3 year rankedThe 2021 Model 3's recalls and problems
Every 2021 Model 3 version
EPA's ratings for each version it tested. Charging cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current prices.
| Version | Combined | City / Hwy | Charge / year |
|---|---|---|---|
Electric · RWD Best
EPA listing: Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD · 263 mi range · 24 kWh/100 mi |
142 MPGe | 150 / 133 | $550 |
Electric · AWD · Long Range
EPA listing: Model 3 Long Range AWD · 353 mi range · 25 kWh/100 mi |
134 MPGe | 141 / 127 | $550 |
Electric · AWD · Performance
EPA listing: Model 3 Performance AWD · 315 mi range · 30 kWh/100 mi |
113 MPGe | 118 / 107 | $650 |
Charging cost at your prices
EPA's annual cost uses 15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving and its current prices: $0.15 per kWh. Change the numbers to match your driving.
| Version | Per year | 5 years |
|---|---|---|
Electric · RWD | $534 | $2,671 |
Electric · AWD · Long Range | $565 | $2,825 |
Electric · AWD · Performance | $674 | $3,370 |
At the default settings the results match EPA's annual cost before EPA rounds it to the nearest $50.
Tesla Model 3 MPGe by model year
The best-rated version in each model year; the highlighted year is this page. Rating: 126 to 142 MPGe (every year from 2017 to 2026); highest in 2021.
2021: 142 MPGeTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
| Model year | Best electric version |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 126 |
| 2018 | 130 |
| 2019 | 133 |
| 2020 | 141 |
| 2021 | 142 |
| 2022 | 132 |
| 2023 | 132 |
| 2024 | 137 |
| 2025 | 137 |
| 2026 | 139 |
Every Model 3 year's ratings in one table
How the 2021 Model 3 compares
2021 electric vehicles covered on this site, ranked by their best combined rating. Charging cost is for each model's cheapest version to run, at EPA's prices.
| 2021 model | Best rating | Longest range | Charge / year |
|---|---|---|---|
Tesla Model 3 This page Best: electric |
142 MPGe | 353 mi | $550 |
Best: electric |
129 MPGe | 326 mi | $600 |
2021 Model 3 recalls and complaints
Questions
How does the 2021 Model 3's efficiency compare with the 2020?
For 2021, the best electric version is rated 142 MPGe, up 1 from 141.
Sources and method
- US EPA and Department of Energy fuel economy data (fueleconomy.gov), file dated Nov 4, 2026.
- EPA fuel price assumptions: regular $4.00, midgrade $4.61, premium $5.01, diesel $6.13 a gallon; electricity $0.15 per kWh.
- Recall and complaint counts: NHTSA recall file dated Nov 12, 2026 and complaint file dated Nov 11, 2026.
Ratings are EPA estimates. Real-world mileage depends on how, where and in what weather you drive. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.