Tesla Launches Model 3 Standard in the UK

Tesla has launched the Model 3 Standard in the UK, making it the most affordable Tesla ever for British buyers. With a starting price of £37,990, lower running costs and practical feature tweaks, the new variant is aimed at cost-conscious EV customers looking for Tesla’s technology at a more accessible price.

Tesla Launches Model 3 Standard in the UK

Tesla has introduced a new Standard variant of its popular Model 3 sedan in the UK, making it the most affordable Tesla model so far. The car is priced at £37,990 (around Rs 45.92 lakh), undercutting previous base variants.

This version has been developed specifically keeping British customer needs and price sensitivity in mind.

Tesla is also offering the Model 3 Standard under a five-year PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) plan, starting at £249 per month (around Rs 30,000). The plan requires a £9,100 (around Rs 11 lakh) down payment and includes a 10,000-mile annual driving limit, making Tesla ownership more accessible to a wider audience.

A UK-Specific Version Designed to Cut Costs

Tesla has not simply reduced features to lower the price; instead, it has focused on reducing overall ownership and running costs. Some premium features removed in this version include:

• Rear passenger touchscreen

• Ambient cabin lighting

• Subwoofer and premium audio system

• Auto-dimming mirrors

• Heated rear seats

• Adaptive dampers

The interior now includes fabric seat inserts, a manually adjustable steering wheel, and a more open centre console that increases storage space. Tesla has also brought back the indicator stalk, which was removed earlier and received heavy criticism.

Battery, Range and Performance Balance

The Model 3 Standard uses a smaller battery than premium versions but still delivers a WLTP range of 322 to 332 miles (about 518–534 km).

Tesla has deliberately limited its performance to keep insurance costs lower.

• 0–100 km/h acceleration: 6.2 seconds

• Top speed: 177 km/h

This tuning places the car in Insurance Group 32, the lowest for any Tesla so far. It also gets 18-inch ‘Photon’ alloy wheels, helping to reduce tyre replacement costs and improve resale value. Despite the cost cuts, features like the panoramic glass roof and powered tailgate remain standard.

Efficiency and Technology Remain Strong

Tesla has not disclosed the exact battery capacity but confirmed that the energy consumption is 20.9 kWh per 160 km, keeping it aligned with Tesla’s reputation for efficiency.

Technology remains a strong point. The car includes:

• Standard Autopilot

• Future Full Self-Driving capability (subject to regulatory approval)

• Smartphone-based key access

• Over-the-air software update readiness

When Will Deliveries Begin?

Tesla has confirmed that UK deliveries of the Model 3 Standard will begin by the end of February 2026.

This launch complements the recently introduced Model Y Standard, priced at £41,990 (around Rs 50.75 lakh), strengthening Tesla’s strategy to expand its affordable electric vehicle lineup in the UK market.