Tesla Model 3 scores top efficiency rating by Green NCAP

Tesla’s Model 3 has been awarded top scores for being one of the most efficient EVs in the world by Green NCAP, a European consumer-focused programme for clean and energy-efficient cars.

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 RWD variant received a 5-star rating and a total score of 98%, thanks to efficiency level due to aerodynamics, the lighter weight of the car and of course, the powertrain.

Efficiency figures post-testing showed that in on-road driving, where the roads were dry and sunny with a top of 20 C, the Model 3 achieved a consumption of 14.2 kWh/100 km. 

At this consumption level, the refreshed Model 3 would achieve a real-world range of 475 km, which is excellent given its 60 kWh Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) battery pack.

On shorter inner-city trips, it’s even more impressive, with 12.4 kWh/100 km of consumption, resulting in 547 km of range on a single charge.

On Green NCAP’s website, the organisation stated: “In 2022 Green NCAP tested a Tesla Model 3 for the first time and the vehicle set new standards for energy efficiency. Today, the result of the new Model 3 are even more impressive.“

This news was also shared by Tesla on its European and Middle East X account.

The Tesla Model 3 is Australia’s second best-selling EV in 2024, with 15,362 sales in the first 11 months of the year. It’s way ahead of the the third best-selling car, the MG4 which has just over 6,000 sales over the same period.

This model was refreshed late last year and now starts at $54,900 before on-roads, making it the best price we’ve seen on the model since its arrival in 2019.

The rated efficiency of the refreshed Model 3 has improved over the previous generations, thanks to the aerodynamics of the car, which has one of the lowest coefficients of drag of any mass-produced car.

This stands at a remarkably low coefficient of drag of 0.219 and has seen a major reduction over the previous Model 3, which had a drag coefficient of 0.225.

That’s resulted in a rated consumption of 13.2 kWh/100 km or a range of 513 km, according to Tesla. 

In the real world, it’s been proven by owners and now Green NCAP to be fairly close to the rated levels, making the 2024 Tesla Model 3 the top pick for those looking at getting more out of their EV on every charge.