In January 2025, I took the plunge and bought a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor for £19,000—a steal considering its original price was closer to £50,000 with all the bells and whistles. With 51,179 miles on the clock at purchase and now sitting at 59,579 miles as of October 23, 2025, I’ve racked up 8,400 miles of electric adventures. Here’s a look at what makes this car special, how much it costs to run, how it compares to my previous petrol car and other vehicles, and how it stacks up against some of the fiercest electric supercars out there.
Meet My Tesla Model 3
This isn’t just any Model 3—it’s loaded with premium features:
- Enhanced Autopilot and standard Autopilot for stress-free driving
- Premium Black Leather interior paired with Deep Blue Metallic Paint
- Detachable Tow Hitch (up to 1,000kg, perfect for small trailers)
- 19″ Sport Wheels for a sleek look
- 77kWh Battery for long-range trips
- Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive with 366kW (490bhp)
- Acceleration Boost, dropping the 0-60mph time from 4.2 to a blistering 3.7 seconds
- Cold Weather Features to keep me cozy in the UK’s chilly months
This car combines luxury, tech, and performance in a package that’s surprisingly affordable to own.
Running Costs: The Numbers
Owning an electric vehicle (EV) like the Model 3 is often touted as cost-effective, but let’s break it down.
Electricity Costs
From January to October 2025, I used 2,553kWh of electricity to cover 8,400 miles. Most of this was home charging (2,360kWh) at an incredible £0.07/kWh, with some public charging (193kWh) during trips, like a holiday to Manchester and an emergency top-up in Cardiff. Here’s the breakdown:
- Home Charging: 2,360kWh at £0.07/kWh = £165.20
- Public Charging: 193kWh costing £79 (Cardiff: 40kWh for £15; March: 17kWh for £7; Manchester: 136kWh for £57)
- Total Electricity Cost: £244.20
Maintenance Costs
So far, maintenance has been minimal:
- Tires: A set of four new tires at £125 each = £500
- Service: A check-up to ensure everything’s in order = £210
- Total Maintenance: £710
Car Tax
With the updated rate, I’ve paid £195/year for 10 months, totalling £162.50.
Total Cost and Cost per Mile
Adding electricity (£244.20), maintenance (£710), and tax (£162.50), the total running cost for 8,400 miles is £1,116.70. That’s roughly 13p per mile—a significant saving compared to traditional cars.
Comparison to My Previous Car: BMW X3
Before switching to the Tesla, I owned a 3-year-old BMW X3, purchased for £21,000 and sold after 4 years for £6,750. Over 39,000 miles, the costs were staggering:
- Fuel: £6,000 (15p/mile)
- Maintenance: £2,800
- Tax: £520 (£130/year)
- Total Ownership Cost: £23,520, or 60p per mile, including depreciation.
The Tesla, in just 10 months, costs £1,116.70 for 8,400 miles—less than half the BMW’s annual cost despite similar mileage rates. The switch to electric has slashed my running costs and eliminated fuel station stops, making ownership far more enjoyable.
Petrol Car Comparison
To put these savings in perspective, let’s compare the Model 3 to another petrol car, the BMW M340i xDrive (2021), with similar performance (374bhp, 0-60mph in ~4.1 seconds) and a used price of ~£20,000–£25,000. Over the same 8,400 miles:
- Fuel: At 35mpg and £1.40/litre (~£6.36/gallon), the M340i uses 240 gallons, costing £1,526.40.
- Maintenance: Tires (£500) plus two services (~£400) = £900.
- Total Running Cost: £1,526.40 + £900 = £2,426.40, or 29p/mile.
The Tesla saves £1,309.70 over 8,400 miles compared to the M340i, highlighting the EV advantage.
Performance: Holding Its Own Against Supercars
The Model 3’s Acceleration Boost makes it a rocket, hitting 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds with 490bhp. But how does it compare to the big dogs in the electric supercar world?
- Porsche Taycan Turbo S (2025): This beast delivers 750bhp and a 0-60mph sprint in 2.6 seconds. Its 93kWh battery offers great range, but it comes with a price tag north of £150,000. The Model 3 holds its own in daily driving, but the Taycan’s extra power and sharper handling make it a track star.
- Rimac Nevera: With a mind-blowing 1,914bhp and a 0-60mph time of 1.85 seconds, the Nevera is in a league of its own (price: ~£2 million). My Model 3 can’t match this hypercar’s performance, but for 1/100th of the cost, it’s a practical alternative for thrill-seekers.
While the Model 3 doesn’t outpace these supercars, its 3.7-second sprint is more than enough to leave most cars in the dust at a traffic light—and it does so without breaking the bank.
Why I Love My Model 3
This car is the perfect blend of affordability, performance, and tech. The Autopilot features make long drives a breeze, the premium interior feels like a luxury car, and the running costs are a fraction of what I’d spend on a traditional performance car. Switching from the BMW X3 has been a revelation—lower costs, no fuel hassles, and a thrill every time I hit the accelerator. Whether I’m towing a small trailer, cruising through winter with heated seats, or enjoying the instant torque of those dual motors, the Model 3 never fails to put a smile on my face.
If you’re considering an EV that delivers supercar thrills without the supercar price tag, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range is hard to beat. Stay tuned for more updates on my electric journey!
