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The Tesla Model 3 is a top contender for the most popular electric vehicle of the year. Why? The Tesla Model 3 is affordable, has great standard battery range, and includes many of Tesla’s fun features. The Tesla Model 3 is currently the quintessential modern electric compact car. Which Model 3 trim is right for you?

What are the Tesla Model 3 trims?

A red 2019 Tesla Model 3.
Car and Driver’s 2019 Tesla Model 3 Tester Hasn’t Been Cheap to Maintain | Tesla

The Tesla Model 3 comes in three different trims. The trims are the Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance trim. The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus costs $39,990. The Long Range costs $49,990. The Performance trim costs $56,990.

Tesla models are eligible for federal and local electric vehicle tax incentives that amount to tax credits worth thousands of dollars. According to Kelly Blue Book, after potential savings, both the Standard Range Plus and Long Range models have purchase costs under the average new electric vehicle price in 2021. The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are Tesla’s most affordable models produced thus far.

The Tesla Model 3 Standard Rage Plus is affordable and offers an estimated 263 miles of battery range. Tax incentives can bring the Standard Range Plus model’s price down to under $34,000. Tesla Model 3 trims with a total estimated battery range of over 300 miles will cost above $45,000, including most incentives.

Which Tesla Model 3 trim has the most range?

A red Tesla Model 3 electric car is seen at the Automobile exhibition area during the third China International Import Expo CIIE in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2020.
A Tesla Model 3 | Xinhua/Ding Ting via Getty Images

When it comes to choosing an electric vehicle, battery range is a huge part of the decision-making process. Today a decent electric vehicle battery range is upwards of 250 miles per single charge. All Tesla Model 3 trims provide a battery range of over 260 miles. Battery range isn’t a huge issue for any of the Model 3 trims.

The popular Ford Mustang Mach E’s entry-level trim, the Select trim, only offers an estimated 230 miles of range and starts at $42,895. The affordable Nissan Leaf EV’s Leaf S Plus trim offers a measly 226 estimated miles of battery range. Electric vehicle owners often have to trade affordability for practicality when choosing their vehicle. The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is the best of both worlds.

If you are looking for a vehicle with a superior battery range, then the Long Range model is the way to go. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range can travel an estimated 353 miles on a single charge. If you live in an area that is included in the Tesla Supercharger network, then electric vehicle ownership doesn’t get much better than with this trim. At $49,990 the Model 3 Long Range may seem overpriced, but if you are looking for an EV that can go the distance the Long Range gets the job done.

What is the best Model 3 trim?

Tesla China-made Model 3 vehicles which will be exported to Europe at Waigaoqiao port in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 19, 2020.
Tesla Model 3 electric cars | Xinhua/Wang Xiang via Getty Images

The Long Range model is impressive, but the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus trim should provide more than enough range for the average consumer. 250 miles of battery range is still considered as competitive today, making the Tesla Model 3 easily one of the most capable EVs. Its accessible entry-level price makes the Tesla Model 3 second only to the exciting Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV.

The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus provides the best value for new electric vehicle owners looking to experience an EV. It includes all the novelty of a Tesla Model coupled with great battery range for a price that is lower than the average new vehicle price for 2021. Until Tesla releases its new hatchback model, the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is the best electric car under $40,000.

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