high voltage Battery is to LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE PLUGGED IN when you are not using it. This is particularly
important if you are not planning to drive Model 3 for several weeks.
NOTE: When left idle and unplugged, your vehicle periodically uses energy from the Battery for system tests and
recharging the low voltage battery when necessary.
There is no advantage to waiting until the Battery’s level is low before charging. In fact, the Battery performs best
when charged regularly.
NOTE: If you allow the Battery to discharge to 0%, other components may become damaged or require replacement
(for example, the low voltage battery). In these cases, you are responsible for repair and/or transporting expenses.
Discharge-related expenses are not covered by the warranty or under the Roadside Assistance policy.
The peak charging rate of the Battery may decrease slightly after a large number of DC Fast Charging sessions, such
as those at Superchargers. To ensure maximum driving range and Battery safety, the Battery charge rate is
decreased when the Battery is too cold, the Battery’s charge is nearly full, and when the Battery conditions change
with usage and age. These changes in the condition of the Battery are driven by battery physics and may increase
the total Supercharging duration by a few minutes over time. You can minimize the amount of charge time by using
Trip Planner (if available in your market region) to warm the Battery while driving to a Supercharger. See Trip Planner
on page 216 for more information.
Battery Care
Never allow the Battery to fully discharge.
Even when Model 3 is not being driven, its Battery discharges very slowly to power the onboard electronics. The
Battery can discharge at a rate of approximately 1% per day, though the discharge rate may vary depending on
environmental factors (such as cold weather), vehicle configuration, and your selected settings on the touchscreen.
Situations can arise in which you must leave Model 3 unplugged for an extended period of time (for example, at an
airport when traveling). In these situations, keep the 1% in mind to ensure that you leave the Battery with a sufficient
charge level. For example, over a two week period (14 days), the Battery may discharge by approximately 14%.
Discharging the Battery to 0% may result in damage to vehicle components. To protect against a complete
discharge, Model 3 enters a low-power consumption mode when the displayed charge level drops to approximately
0%. In this mode, the Battery stops supporting the onboard electronics and auxiliary low voltage battery. Once this
low-power consumption mode is active, immediately plug in Model 3 to prevent a jump start and low voltage battery
replacement.
NOTE: If Model 3 is unresponsive and does not unlock, open, or charge, the low voltage battery may be discharged.
In this situation, try jump starting the low voltage battery (see Jump Starting on page 309). If the vehicle is still
unresponsive, use the mobile app to schedule a service appointment.
Temperature Limits

For better long-term performance, avoid exposing Model 3 to ambient temperatures above 140° F (60° C) or below
-22° F (-30° C) for more than 24 hours at a time.
Energy Saving Feature

Model 3 has an energy-saving feature that reduces the amount of energy being consumed by the displays when
Model 3 is not in use. On newer vehicles, this feature is automated to provide an optimal level of energy saving.
However, on older vehicles, you can control the amount of energy being consumed by the displays by touching
Controls > Display > Energy Saving. For more information on maximizing range and saving energy, see Getting
Maximum Range on page 236.

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Submerged Vehicle

As with any vehicle, if your Tesla has been exposed to flooding, extreme weather events or has otherwise been
submerged in water (especially in salt water), treat it as if it’s been in an accident and contact your insurance
company for support. Do not attempt to operate the vehicle before Tesla Service has inspected it, but you should
tow or move it away from any structures.
NOTE: Damage caused by water is not covered under warranty.
Battery Warnings and Cautions

WARNING: The high voltage system must be serviced only by a trained technician. Under no circumstances
should you open or tamper with the Battery. Do not disassemble, remove or replace high voltage components,
cables or connectors. High voltage cables are typically colored orange for easy identification.
CAUTION: If the Battery’s charge level falls to 0%, you must plug it in. If you leave it unplugged for an
extended period, it may not be possible to charge or use Model 3 without jump starting or replacing the low
voltage battery. Leaving Model 3 unplugged for an extended period can also result in permanent Battery
damage. If you are unable to charge Model 3 after attempting to jump start the low voltage battery, schedule a
service appointment.
CAUTION: The Battery requires no owner maintenance. Do not remove the coolant filler cap and do not add
fluid. If the touchscreen warns you that the fluid level is low, use the mobile app to schedule a service
appointment.
CAUTION: Do not use the Battery as a stationary power source. Doing so voids the warranty.

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Charging Instructions
Opening the Charge Port
The charge port is located on the left side of Model 3, behind a door that is part of the rear tail light assembly. Park
Model 3 to ensure that the charge cable easily reaches the charge port.
With Model 3 in Park, press and release the button on the Tesla charge cable to open the charge port door.

You can also open the charge port door using any of these methods:
• On the touchscreen, touch Controls and touch the Charge Port icon (lightning bolt).
• On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Charging > Open Charge Port.
• Press the bottom of the charge port door when Model 3 is unlocked.
• On the key fob accessory (sold separately), hold down the rear trunk button for 1-2 seconds.
• Use voice commands to open the charge port door (see Voice Commands on page 21). You can also use voice
commands to close the charge port door, and begin or stop charging.
NOTE: The following image is provided for demonstration purposes only. Depending on market region and date of
manufacture, your charge port may be slightly different.

NOTE: The Tesla "T" lights up when you open the charge port door. If you do not insert a charge cable into the
charge port within a few minutes after opening the charge port door, the charge port door closes. If this happens,
use the touchscreen to open the charge port door again.

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NOTE: In extremely cold weather or icy conditions, it is possible that your charge port latch may freeze in place. In
these weather conditions, you can thaw ice on the charge port latch so the charge cable can be removed and
inserted. To do so, turn on the rear defrost, or enable preconditioning using the mobile app. To prevent this from
occurring, use the Schedule settings, available on both the charging and climate control screens, to set a departure
time and enable preconditioning (see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 235).To thaw ice on
the charge port latch so the charge cable can be removed and inserted, enable preconditioning using the mobile
app. To prevent this from occurring, use the Schedule settings, available on both the charging and climate control
screens, to set a departure time and enable preconditioning (see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure on
page 235).
CAUTION: Do not try to force the charge port door open.
Plugging In
If desired, use the touchscreen to change the charge limit and the charging current (see Charge Settings on page
230).
To charge at a public charging station, plug the appropriate adapter into the vehicle's charging port, and then
connect the station's charging connector to the adapter. The most commonly used adapter(s) for each market
region are provided. Depending on the charging equipment you are using, you may need to start and stop charging
using a control on the charging equipment.
If you are using the Mobile Connector, plug into the power outlet before plugging in Model 3.
Align the connector to the charge port and insert fully. When the connector is properly inserted, charging begins
automatically after Model 3:
• Engages a latch that holds the connector in place;
• Shifts into Park (if it was in any other drive mode);
• Heats or cools the Battery, if needed. If the Battery requires heating or cooling, you may notice a delay before
charging begins.
NOTE: Whenever Model 3 is plugged in but not actively charging, it draws energy from the charging equipment
instead of using energy stored in the Battery. For example, if you are sitting in Model 3 and using the touchscreen
while parked and plugged in, Model 3 draws energy from the charging equipment instead of the Battery.
In some cases when Model 3 is plugged in but using very little energy, however, it may draw it directly from the
Battery. For example, if you leave Model 3 plugged in for several days without using it, it may gradually draw a small
amount of energy directly from the Battery to support vehicle systems.
Once the Battery discharges enough, it starts charging to reach the limit again. Depending on when you check, the
Battery may not have discharged enough yet to trigger a charge cycle. As a result, it may be slightly under the
charge limit even after being plugged in for a long period. This is normal, and Model 3 will start charging again once
it has discharged enough. Alternatively, to start a new charge cycle manually, unplug and then plug in Model 3.
CAUTION: The connector end of the charge cable can damage the paint if you drop it onto Model 3.
Charge Port Light

After you insert a charge cable into Model 3, wait a few seconds and confirm that the charge port light begins
blinking green and that your vehicle is charging. If the light is amber or red, troubleshoot the issue before you leave
to ensure a successful charging session.
• WHITE (OR LIGHT BLUE): The charge port door is open. Model 3 is ready to charge and the connector is not
inserted, or the charge port latch is unlocked and the connector is ready to be removed.
NOTE: If equipped with an early generation charge port, the charge port remains unlocked whenever the vehicle
is not charging and in a cold ambient temperature below 41° F (5° C). In this situation, the charge port light is
white.
• BLUE: The charger is connected, but Model 3 is not charging (such as when scheduled charging is active).

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• BLINKING BLUE: Model 3 is communicating with the charger, but has not started charging yet (such as when
your vehicle is preparing to charge).
• BLINKING GREEN: Charging is in progress. As Model 3 approaches a full charge, the frequency of the blinking
slows.
• SOLID GREEN: Charging is complete.
• SOLID AMBER: The connector is not fully plugged in. Realign the connector to the charge port and insert fully.
• BLINKING AMBER: Model 3 is charging at a reduced current (AC charging only).
• RED: A fault is detected and charging has stopped. Check the touchscreen for an alert.
Charging Status
Charging status displays at the top of the car status screen when the charge port door is open.
1. Time remaining: The estimated time remaining to charge to your set limit (see Charge Settings on page 230).
NOTE: When charging to 100%, the vehicle may continue to charge with low power when charging is displayed as
complete. This is expected operation. Because the added energy beyond this point is low, it is usually not
beneficial to continue charging.
2. Charging: The current power of the charger.
3. Charging rate: The maximum current available from the attached charge cable.
4. Range gained: Estimated increase in driving distance achieved in the charging session.
5. Driving distance: Displays the total estimated driving distance or energy percentage (depending on your display
setting) available.
NOTE: To change how energy units are displayed, touch Controls > Display > Energy Display.
6. Charge status: Charge status messages (such as Supercharging, Scheduled Charging) display here (see
Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 235).
During Charging
During charging, the charge port light (the Tesla "T" logo) pulses green, and the touchscreen displays real-time
charging status. The frequency at which the green charge port light pulses slows down as the charge level
approaches full. When charging is complete, the light stops pulsing and is solid green.
NOTE: If Model 3 is locked, the charge port light does not light up.
If the charge port light turns red while charging, a fault is detected. Check the touchscreen for an alert describing
the fault. A fault can occur due to something as common as a power outage. If a power outage occurs, charging
resumes automatically when power is restored.
NOTE: The thermal system may produce steam under certain conditions for vehicles with heat pumps (to determine
if your vehicle has a heat pump, touch Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information). For example, odorless
steam can come from the front of your vehicle while charging at a Supercharger in cold temperature. This is normal
and not a cause for concern.
NOTE: It is normal to hear sounds during charging. Particularly at high currents, the refrigerant compressor and fan
operate as needed to keep the Battery cool.
NOTE: Air conditioning performance is generally not affected by charging. However, in some circumstances (for
example, charging at high currents during a particularly warm day), the air coming from the vents may not be as
cool as expected and a message displays on the touchscreen. This is normal and ensures that the Battery stays
within an optimum temperature range while charging to support longevity and optimum performance.
WARNING: Never spray liquid at a high velocity (for example, a pressure washer) towards the charge port
while charging. Doing so can result in serious injury or damage to the vehicle, charging equipment, or property.
Stopping Charging
Stop charging at any time by disconnecting the charge cable or touching Stop Charging on the touchscreen.

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NOTE: To prevent unauthorized unplugging of the charge cable, the charge cable latch remains locked and Model 3
must be unlocked or able to recognize your authenticated phone before you can disconnect the charge cable.
NOTE: If equipped with an early generation charge port, the charge port remains unlocked whenever the vehicle is
not charging and in a cold ambient temperature below 41° F (5° C), even when Model 3 is locked.
To disconnect the charge cable:
1. Press and hold the button on the connector handle to release the latch.
NOTE: You can also release the latch using the lightning icon on the car status overview on the touchscreen or
mobile app, or by pressing and holding the rear trunk button on the key fob.
2. Pull the connector from the charge port. The charge port door automatically closes.
NOTE: You can also close the charge port door using any of these methods:
• On the touchscreen, touch the Charge Port icon (lightning bolt) on the car status overview.
• On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Charging > Close Charge Port.
• Use voice commands to close the charge port door (see Voice Commands on page 21).
CAUTION: Never close the charge port door manually. Doing so can cause damage.
To disconnect the charge cable when using an adapter at a public charge station:
1. Unlock Model 3.
2. While holding the public charging handle in one hand and the adapter in the other hand, press and hold the
button on the public charging handle and pull both outwards, removing the handle and adapter at the same time.
NOTE: If the charging station handle separates from the adapter, leaving the adapter in Model 3, use the
touchscreen to unlock the charge port.
3. Press and hold the button on the charging handle again to release the adapter from the public charging handle.
NOTE: The charge port door automatically closes within approximately 10 seconds of removing the connector from
the charge port.
NOTE: You can also close the charge port door using any of these methods:
• On the touchscreen, touch the Charge Port icon (lightning bolt) on the car status overview.
• On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Charging > Close Charge Port.
• Use voice commands to close the charge port door (see Voice Commands on page 21).
CAUTION: Never close the charge port door manually. Doing so can cause damage.
CAUTION: Tesla strongly recommends leaving Model 3 plugged in when not in use. This maintains the Battery
at the optimum level of charge.
Charge Settings
Access charge settings by touching Controls > Charging when Model 3 is in Park. You can also touch the battery
icon on the touchscreen to access charge settings.

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1. Driving distance: Displays the total estimated driving distance available.
2. Set limit: Adjust the charge slider to the level of charging you want. The setting you choose applies to immediate
and scheduled charging sessions.
NOTE: Refer to the information on the vehicle touchscreen (navigate to Controls > Charging) or the mobile App
(touch the Charging icon) for recommended daily and trip charging limits.
NOTE: A portion of the battery image may appear blue. This indicates that a small portion of the energy stored in
the battery is not available because the battery is cold. This is normal and no reason for concern. When the
battery warms up, the blue portion no longer displays.
You can further adjust charge settings:
• Charge current at this location: The current automatically sets to the maximum current available from the
attached charge cable, unless it was previously reduced to a lower level. If needed, touch - or + to change the
current (for example, you may want to reduce the current if you are concerned about overloading a domestic
wiring circuit shared by other equipment). It is not possible to set the charging current to a level that exceeds the
maximum available from the attached charge cable. When you change the current, Model 3 remembers the
location. If you charge at the same location, you do not need to change it again.
When charging using the Mobile Connector with domestic outlets, your vehicle may automatically select a default
charge current. Override this default current to a higher setting by customizing Charge Current at this location or
through the mobile app.
• Open Charge Port, Unlock Charge Port and Stop Charging: When not charging, touch Open Charge Port or
Unlock Charge Port to open the charge port door or to unlock the charge cable from the charge port. You can
also touch the lightning icon near the charge port on the car status overview. Use Stop Charging when you are
finished charging.
NOTE: In cold ambient temperatures below 41° F (5° C), the charge port (if equipped with early generation
charge port hardware) remains unlocked whenever the vehicle is not charging.
• Schedule: Depending on the setting you select by touching Switch to Scheduled Departure/Scheduled Charging,
this displays either a departure time for when the vehicle should be preconditioned and/or charged by or a time
to start charging (see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 235).
• Charge on Solar at this location: If available in your region, setup your vehicle with your Tesla Powerwall to
charge from excess solar production, using the Tesla mobile app. When your vehicle is plugged in at home and
Charge on Solar is enabled, your vehicle charges up to the minimum charge limit from any source and then
continues charging on only excess solar power up to the maximum charge limit. If Scheduled Charging or
Scheduled Departure is configured, your vehicle uses any excess solar and waits until the designated time to
charge from any source to the minimum charge limit. System requirements: Vehicle software 2023.26 or higher,
Powerwall software 23.12.10 or higher and Tesla mobile app 4.22.5 or higher.System requirements outside of North
America: Vehicle software 2023.32 or higher, Powerwall software 23.12.10 or higher and Tesla mobile app 4.30.5 or
higher.
• Supercharging: Displays Supercharger usage fees, the location, the time that charging started, and a cost
estimate for the session (see Supercharger Fees on page 232).
NOTE: To reduce congestion at high-usage Supercharger sites, you may be limited to a maximum charge of 80%
when not using Trip Planner (if available in your market region). See Trip Planner on page 216).

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Supercharger Fees
When charging at a Tesla Supercharger, information about the charging session displays at the bottom of the
charging screen. This includes the location, the time that charging started, and a cost estimate for the session. When
you stop Supercharging, the estimated cost of the session displays until a new Supercharging session begins.
NOTE: Estimated cost may not reflect the final cost of the Supercharging session. Final pricing for Supercharging
sessions can be found in your Tesla account.
You are subject to additional fees after charging is complete or, at a busy Supercharger location, after your vehicle
has reached the congestion limit. Superchargers are designed for fast charging, and these fees encourage drivers to
move their vehicles when charging is complete. The rate structure for each site, including whether idle or congestion
fees apply, can be found on the site’s popup on the touchscreen (see Charging Locations on page 214) or in the
Tesla mobile app.
• Idle fees apply when half or more of the Superchargers at a site are occupied, and begin accruing when the
vehicle reaches its charge limit. The Tesla mobile app notifies you when charging is almost complete, and again
when charging is complete. Additional notifications are sent if idle fees are incurred. Idle fees are waived if you
move your vehicle within five minutes of when charging completed.
• United States only: Congestion fees apply at select Supercharger locations that are often busy. Congestion fees
accrue when the station is at capacity and the vehicle’s battery charge level is above the congestion limit. Fees
are waived for the first five minutes, and then billed until the vehicle is moved.
Log into your Tesla account to view fees and details about Supercharger sessions, set up a payment method, and
make payments. Once a payment method is saved, fees are automatically paid from your account.
Third Party Chargers
Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, etc., all Tesla vehicles have a North American Charging Standard
(NACS) charge port, which is a charging system developed by Tesla that is quickly becoming more popular at third
party charging stations. These stations feature an NACS connector and don't require a separate adapter.
While all Tesla vehicles can charge on Tesla stations (such as a Supercharger, Wall Connector, or Mobile Connector),
your vehicle may not have the hardware needed to use some NACS third-party DC fast charging stations. In other
words, the connector may look compatible, but when you plug it into Model 3, your vehicle does not charge. This is
because Model 3 needs to also support a CCS communication protocol (a commonly used charging system for some
third party chargers) in order to charge at third-party DC fast chargers with NACS connector.
NOTE: An adapter is required to charge at third-party stations with a CCS connector and your vehicle's hardware
may need a retrofit to support CCS communication protocol.
To see if your vehicle can already communicate with CCS, navigate to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle
Information > CCS and 3rd-party NACS DC Fast Charging Support:
CCS charger:

NACS charger:

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• Enabled: Model 3 supports the CCS communication protocol and can charge at any CCS station (adapter
required) and third party NACS station.
• Not enabled: Your vehicle currently does not support the CCS communication protocol for NACS and CCS
charging stations. Use the mobile app to see if you are eligible to schedule a service appointment to enable this
through a hardware retrofit. Availability of this retrofit may vary.
• Not compatible: Model 3 cannot support the CCS communication protocol and cannot charge at third party
NACS or CCS charging stations.
Manually Releasing Charge Cable
If the usual methods for releasing a charge cable from the charge port (using the charge handle release button,
touchscreen, or mobile app) do not work, try pressing and holding down the rear trunk button on the key fob
accessory (if equipped) for 1-2 seconds. If it still doesn't release, carefully follow these steps:
1. Ensure that Model 3 is not actively charging by displaying the charging screen on the touchscreen. If necessary,
touch Stop Charging.
2. Open the rear trunk.
3. Pull the charge port's release cable downwards to unlatch the charge cable.
WARNING: Do not pull the release cable while simultaneously attempting to remove the charge cable from
the charge port. Always pull the release cable before attempting to remove the charge cable. Failure to
follow these instructions can result in electric shock and serious injury.

NOTE: The release cable may be recessed within the opening of the trim.
4. Pull the charge cable from the charge port.
CAUTION: Use the release cable only in situations where you can not release the charge cable using the usual
methods. Continuous use can damage the release cable or charging equipment.
WARNING: Do not perform this procedure when your vehicle is charging, or if any orange high voltage
conductors are exposed. Failure to follow these instructions can result in electric shock and serious injury or
damage to the vehicle. If you are uncertain as to how to safely perform this procedure, contact your nearest
Service Center.
Charging Best Practices
• Avoid allowing the Battery to get too low (the Battery icon turns yellow when the capacity remaining in the
Battery drops to 20% or below).
• Refer to the information on the vehicle touchscreen (navigate to Controls > Charging) or the mobile App (touch
the Charging icon) for recommended daily and trip charging limits.

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• After you plug in your vehicle, confirm that the charge port light begins blinking green (indicating that Model 3 is
charging) before you walk away. If Model 3 does not begin charging after a few seconds, the connector may not
be fully inserted into the charge port, or there may be an issue preventing charging. Check the touchscreen for an
alert with more information.
NOTE: If the charge port light begins blinking amber, Model 3 is charging at a reduced current. If the charge port
light is solid blue, the charger is connected but the vehicle is not charging (such as when scheduled charging or
scheduled departure is enabled). For more information, see #unique_467 on page .
Fast charging tips:
• Find fast chargers by filtering for three lightning bolts in the navigation search bar.
• Navigate to fast chargers to allow for preconditioning of the high voltage Battery. An optimal Battery
temperature can help speed up charging.
• Typically, a lower state of charge results in faster charging.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to monitor your vehicle's charge at all times. Do not wait until the vehicle is
discharged to plug it in. Always ensure you have more than enough charge to safely get to a charger.
• At Superchargers, leave some space between other vehicles, as neighboring stalls may share power.

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Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure
Toggle between Scheduled Departure and Scheduled Charging by touching Controls > Charging > Switch to
Scheduled Charging/Scheduled Departure when Model 3 is in Park.
NOTE: Scheduled Charging/Scheduled Departure settings are also available on the Climate Controls screen and in
the Tesla mobile app.
Think of Scheduled Charging as "When do I want charging to start?" and think of Scheduled Departure Off-Peak
Charging which is "When do I want charging to be complete?"
Scheduled Charging can be used together with Scheduled Departure Preconditioning but not with Scheduled
Departure Off-Peak Charging.
Scheduled Charging/Scheduled Departure settings are automatically saved for each location.
NOTE: If you plug in Model 3 with both Off-Peak Charging and Scheduled Charging deselected, your vehicle
charges immediately.
Using Scheduled Charging
Use Scheduled Charging to specify a daily time in which you want Model 3 to start charging.
With Scheduled Charging selected, enable the feature then set a daily time to start charging.
NOTE: Scheduled Charging starts charging immediately if Model 3 is plugged in up to six hours after the scheduled
start time. However, if Model 3 is plugged in after six hours of the scheduled charging time, charging may not start
until the scheduled time on the next day.
Using Scheduled Departure
Use Scheduled Departure to set a daily time when you want Model 3 to be ready to drive. Model 3 automatically
calculates when it needs to start preconditioning and/or charging. This ensures that charging is complete and/or the
cabin climate and Battery are preconditioned by your departure time.
When Scheduled Departure is displayed, touch Schedule to set a daily time when you want Model 3 to be ready to
drive. Specify a time, then touch Settings to enable one or both of the following departure features. When plugging
in with Off-Peak Charging enabled, the vehicle briefly draws power (you may hear clicking) to calculate the
necessary charging start time.
After you’ve specified your desired settings, touch Set. The touchscreen displays your scheduled departure time.
• Preconditioning warms the Battery for improved performance and ensures a comfortable cabin climate at your
set departure time.
NOTE: When Model 3 is not plugged in, preconditioning operates but only when the Battery's charge level is
above 20%.
• Off-Peak Charging delays charging and automatically starts charging in order to finish before your scheduled
departure time while also ensuring to charge the Battery during off-peak hours to reduce energy costs. Touch
Change Off-Peak Hours to customize the time when off-peak utility rates end.
NOTE: Choosing Off-Peak Charging can reduce energy costs even in market regions where off-peak utility rates
are not applicable. For example, if charging starts as soon as you plug in, charging may complete much sooner.
This causes the Battery to cool down to ambient temperatures and requires energy to warm it back up by your
departure time. Therefore, even if off-peak utility rates are not applicable to you, it is recommended that you set
Off-Peak Hours to the same time as your departure time in order to reduce energy consumption.
NOTE: If there is not enough time to reach the charge limit, charging starts immediately in order to charge as
much as possible.
NOTE: Once charging has started and there is not enough time to complete charging during off-peak hours,
charging continues until the charge limit is reached.
You can limit Preconditioning and Off-Peak Charging to weekdays only.
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Getting Maximum Range
Factors Affecting Energy Consumption
While driving:
• Elevated driving speed.
• Environmental conditions such as cold or hot weather and wind.
• Using climate controls to heat or cool the cabin.
• Uphill travel: Driving uphill requires more energy and depletes range at a faster rate. However, driving downhill
allows your vehicle to regain a portion of its expended energy through regenerative braking (see Regenerative
Braking on page 117).
• Short trips or stop-and-go traffic: It takes energy to bring the cabin and Battery to a specified temperature when
starting the vehicle. You may see a higher average consumption when the vehicle is used for very short trips or in
heavy traffic.
• Heavy cargo load.
• Windows rolled down.
• Wheels and tires not maintained.
• Customized settings or third-party accessories (roof or trunk racks, third party wheels).
While parked and not plugged in to a charger:
• Preconditioning the cabin or using climate controls.
• Summon.
• Vehicle infotainment and climate controls system.
• Sentry mode.
• Tesla or third-party mobile app requests.
Tips to Maximize Range
You can maximize your driving range using the same driving habits you use to conserve fuel in a gasoline-powered
vehicle. To achieve maximum range:
• Slow down your driving and avoid frequent and rapid acceleration. Consider using Chill Mode (touch Controls >
Pedals & Steering > Acceleration) and Speed Assist (see Speed Assist on page 186) to assist in controlling your
acceleration and speed.
• If safe to do so, modulate the accelerator pedal instead of using the brake pedal when gradually slowing down.
Whenever Model 3 is moving and you are not pressing the accelerator pedal, regenerative braking slows down
the vehicle and feeds surplus energy back to the Battery (see Regenerative Braking on page 117).
• Limit the use of resources such as heating and air conditioning. Using seat and steering wheel heaters (if
equipped) to keep warm is more efficient than heating the cabin using climate controls.
• With your vehicle plugged in, use the mobile app to precondition your vehicle to ensure the cabin is at a
comfortable temperature and windows are defrosted (if needed) before your drive by touching Climate > On and
customizing your preferences (see Mobile App on page 87).
• Touch Schedule, available on both the charging and climate control screens, to set a time when you want your
vehicle to be ready to drive (see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 235).
• Set Stopping Mode to Hold to gain the benefit of regenerative braking at low driving speeds (see Stopping Mode
on page 118).
• Ensure the wheels are aligned to specification, the tires are kept at the recommended inflation pressures (see Tire
Care and Maintenance on page 243), and are rotated when needed (see Maintenance Service Intervals on page
240).
• Install aero covers (if equipped) to reduce wind resistance (see Removing and Installing Aero Covers on page
246).
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• Lighten your load by removing any unnecessary cargo.
• Fully raise all windows.
• Features such as Sentry Mode and Cabin Overheat Protection can impact range. Disable features when not
needed.
• To prevent an excessive amount of energy consumption while the vehicle is idle, keep the vehicle plugged in
when not in use.
It is normal for estimated range to decrease slightly over the first few months before leveling off. Over time, you may
see a gradual, but natural, decrease in range at full charge – this depends on factors such as the mileage and age of
the Battery. Your Model 3 will inform you in the unlikely event a hardware issue is causing excessive Battery or range
degradation.
The power meter on the touchscreen provides feedback on energy usage.
Range Assurance
The driving range displayed in Model 3 is an estimate of the remaining battery energy based on EPA-rated
consumption. It may not account for your personal driving patterns or external conditions. The displayed range on
the touchscreen may decrease faster than the actual distance driven. To view estimated range based on your recent
energy consumption, open the Energy app to display the graph.
NOTE: Rated driving range is based on EPA-rated consumption in the United States, which deviates from tests
advertised and performed in other jurisdictions.
Your vehicle continuously monitors its energy level and proximity to known charging locations.
Touch Chargers in the Navigation search bar to toggle between types of chargers, including
Superchargers and destination charging sites.

When you are at risk of driving beyond the range of known charging locations, the touchscreen displays a message
giving you the opportunity to display a list of charging locations that are within range. When you select a charging
location from the list, Model 3 provides navigation instructions and the turn-by-turn direction list displays the
predicted amount of energy that will remain when you arrive at the charging destination.
Trip Planner (if available in your market region) routes you through Supercharger locations to minimize the amount
of time you spend charging and driving. To enable, touch Controls > Navigation > Trip Planner.
Energy App
The Energy app provides a visual representation of your vehicle's real-time and projected energy usage.

1. Locate the Energy app in the bottom bar by touching the app launcher (the three dots).
2. Touch to open the Energy app and choose from the different tabs. The energy chart's colored line
represents your actual driving energy consumption whereas the gray line represents predicted
usage.
NOTE: You can customize the chart values by touching Controls > Display > Energy Display.

• Drive: Monitor the amount of energy being used while driving. You can track the real-time energy consumption
broken down by categories, compare against different baseline projections, and view range tips tailored to your
drive to understand how to improve energy efficiency.
1. Choose Trip while navigating to a destination to compare the actual usage against the estimated projection.
2. Choose Rated to compare the actual energy or range usage against the estimated driving distance (or energy)
available.

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3. Choose between Current Drive to view data from your current drive or Since Last Charged to include data
since the vehicle was last charged.
4. View Range Tips to understand impacts on battery consumption and suggestions to maximize range and
efficiency.
• Park: Monitors the amount of energy lost while Model 3 is parked.
1. Choose between Since Last Drive or Since Last Charge.
2. View how much idle energy has been consumed while your vehicle is parked and suggestions to decrease
energy loss.
• Consumption: Display how much energy Model 3 has consumed over the past 5, 15 or 30 miles (10, 25 or 50 km).
1. Touch Instant Range to adjust the projected range estimation. Instant Range uses only the latest few data
points to estimate the projected range.
2. Touch Average Range to use the past 5, 15 or 30 miles (10, 25 or 50 km) of energy consumption to provide a
more accurate projected range.

Maintenance

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Software Updates
Loading New Software
Tesla updates your vehicle's software wirelessly, constantly providing new features. Tesla recommends you install
software updates at the earliest opportunity on your vehicle. To ensure the fastest and most reliable delivery of
software updates, leave Wi-Fi turned on and connected whenever possible. In most cases, your vehicle must be
connected to Wi-Fi to download the software update (see Wi-Fi on page 90).
Downloading vs. Installing New Software
There are two steps to receiving a new update: downloading the software (which requires Wi-Fi), and installing it.
For your convenience, you can start downloads and installations using the Tesla mobile app.
Download
When a software update is available for download, the download occurs automatically, showing a green arrow at the
top of the touchscreen. If the vehicle is not connected to Wi-Fi, a yellow download icon appears. Although you can
drive while the software update is being downloaded, doing so can interrupt the download if your vehicle loses the
Wi-Fi connection. When the software update is fully downloaded and ready to install, a clock icon displays at the top
of the touchscreen.
NOTE: To ensure the fastest and most reliable download of software updates, leave the Wi-Fi turned on and
connected whenever possible (see Wi-Fi on page 90).
Install
You CANNOT drive while software is being installed. If plugged in, your vehicle will stop charging until the
installation is complete. To start the installation, touch the yellow clock icon at the top of the touchscreen. Touch
Install Now to begin the installation immediately or touch Set For This Time to choose a different start time. At any
time before the update installs, you can touch this clock icon to reschedule. If you are driving Model 3 at the
scheduled update time, the update is canceled and must be rescheduled. You can also view, download, and install
software updates by navigating to Controls > Software. If available, connect to Wi-FI to download the update.
Software updates are not performed when the following features are active:
• Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, or Camp Mode
• Sentry Mode
NOTE: Software updates will not install if Keep, Dog, or Camp mode are enabled (see Keep Climate On, Dog, and
Camp on page 199).
NOTE: On an as-needed basis, Tesla also sends software updates using a cellular connection.
NOTE: Some software updates take approximately 30 minutes to complete (some may take longer). Model 3 must
be in Park while the software is being updated.
WARNING: Do not attempt to use the vehicle while the software is being installed. Vehicle functions, including
some safety systems and opening or closing the doors or windows, may be limited or disabled when
installation is in progress and you could damage the vehicle.
Software Update Preferences
Tesla determines how, when, and where to send updates to vehicles based on various factors unique to each release.
In Controls > Software, you can choose how quickly you want to receive updates that are ready for your vehicle. Be
an early adopter by selecting Advanced (which will have additional releases), or wait until others have installed
(which will result in fewer releases) by selecting Standard. Choosing Advanced does not enroll your vehicle in Tesla's
early access program.
Tesla does not update your software upon request for those wanting to receive the latest features and
improvements. Selecting Advanced and consistently connecting to Wi-Fi (see Wi-Fi on page 90) is the best way to
quickly receive the latest software updates.
If the touchscreen displays a message indicating that a software update was not successfully completed, wait for the
next software update to deploy to your vehicle.
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NOTE: The software update screen persists until you install the update. Install a software update as soon as possible.
Any harm resulting from failure to install a software update is not covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Failure or refusal
to install updates can cause some vehicle features to become inaccessible or digital media devices may become