Model 3 Features FAQ

[ccutrer]

In the tradition of the great Model X thread, I'd like to start a FAQ thread for the Model 3. Tesla specs are sometimes ambiguous or just plain lacking, so this is a place to get more definitive answers. If the moderators want to sticky it and make it a wiki so everyone can contribute, that'd be great. Questions are in no particular order. Assuming it gets made into a sticky, please follow these rules:

• When answering a question, if possible link to a source (documentation on Tesla's website best, actual pictures or videos from test drives/reviews/owners second, second-hand information from any of the above last).
• If you do not know the answer for an absolute fact, please prefix it with Supposition, and provide reasoning.

So, here we go:

• If I don't get Enhanced AutoPilot, what kind of Cruise Control do I get (TACC? Nothing)?

Supposition: For AP1 Model S and Model X, without AP, you just got dumb cruise, not even TACC. I see no reason for Model 3 to be different.

• HomeLink?

Answer needed. Tesla specs are silent on the matter.

• I want leather seats. Possibly ultra-white. Are these included in either the long range or the premium package?

Press Kit | Tesla, Model 3 Reservations FAQ
Supposition: The press kit says "Premium heated seating" is included in the premium package, and "textile seating" in the standard equipment. To me this says the leather upgrade is included in the premium package. In Tesla's reservation FAQ is says white interior will be available Fall 2017, but again is silent on if this is an additional for-pay option.

• 15 cu. ft. of cargo space. Does that include the frunk?

Yes, that is combined frunk and trunk space. See S/3 comparison at Model 3 | Tesla.

• Are the standard aero wheels a cover over a different style?

Unknown. PLEASE NO SUPPOSITION HERE. Until we see a video of someone putting them on/taking them off, we don't know for sure.

• Do the mirrors auto-fold when you walk away from the car?

Press Kit | Tesla
Unknown. The press kit says "Auto dimming, power folding, heated side mirrors" is included with the premium package. One can suppose that it would be silly of Tesla to have a power folding mirror, and not have them automatically fold, since the latter would be a software feature that's easily implemented.

• Does the charge port door auto-close?

Unknown. We now it opens at a button press, but that doesn't necessarily mean it closes.

• Phone as a key! Do I have to unlock my phone to unlock the car?!

Unknown. The presskit just says "Keyless entry and remote climate control using the Tesla app". Tesla Model 3 first drive experience: a smaller Model S with a minimalist look clarifies that it is Bluetooth (presumably BLE, so a relatively recent smartphone will be required), but no details of it in use. A video of someone unlocking the car with this would be great!

• The specs on Electrek say 7 cameras. What??

Press Kit | Tesla clarifies it as 8. @FredLambert must have had a typo (either of his own doing, or from pre-release presskit that he received).

• What are the interior dimensions of back row (handle-to-handle), trunk, frunk, and trunk openings?

Exclusive: Tesla Model 3 First Drive Review - Motor Trend says the frunk is explicitly sized to fit a carry-on luggage. Beyond that, we need someone to get out a tape measure!

• How fast can I charge/how big of charging circuit should I put in?

Press Kit | Tesla
Standard battery includes a 32A charger, which is 30 miles of range per hour of charging. Long range includes a 40A charger for 47 miles of range per hour of charging. In practice, this means a 14-50 outlet is sufficient/required for both to achieve fastest charging. On the standard battery you could even get away with a 40A breaker and wiring, which is allowed by NEC, but should be a rare installation. Note that in Canada, the mobile connector's 14-50 adapter is limited to 32A; if you want fastest charging of a long range Model 3 in Canada, you'll either have to acquire a US version of the adapter, or install a Wall Connector. Either way, ensure you have an actual 50A circuit including breaker and wiring.

• Do I get safety features without EAP?

Yes. Press Kit | Tesla: "Eight cameras, forward radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors enabling active safety technologies including collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking" under safety under standard features.

• Is the steering wheel heated?

Unknown. Specs are silent.

• Is the driver seat power adjustable without the premium package?

Unknown. The press kit describes a 12-way power adjustable seat with the premium package, but leaves room that standard option could be a simpler, but still power adjustable, front seat.

 

[ccutrer]

Well, I can't edit my initial post, and it hasn't been converted to a wiki yet. But I've got an answer to one of my questions:

Driving Tesla’s Model 3 Changes Everything

I brought a tape measure with me, and the [trunk] opening measured 18.5 inches tall and 42 inches at its widest.

 

[Marsnaut]

Are the seats folding down completely (from the Bloomberg article) new information? I read elsewhere that the seats would only fold down partially.

 

[Park2670]

Curious about the charging. Many of the screen shots we have seen of the long range vehicle show 48 amp max charging but the press kit shows 40 amp charging.

 

[K-MTG]

Should we reach out to Tesla via email?

 

[pete8314]

I'd add blind-spot detection to the list of features we know nothing about. It's certainly an option on many cars in the same price bracket, but it sucks on S & X, so hopefully there's a better implementation on 3...?

 

[a.void]

There was a screenshot showing the charge door has a "close" button on the main screen. That suggests it's automated for everyone that can't push down a flap.

 

[BluestarE3]

Are the seats folding down completely (from the Bloomberg article) new information? I read elsewhere that the seats would only fold down partially.

The press kit says, "60/40 split folding rear seat to maximize cargo options", but doesn't indicate if they fold completely flat or not.

 

[Qbenjamin]

Textile seating and no leather..?

 

[Zaphod]

Textile seating and no leather..?

All Tesla models have now gone to synthetic leather just like the white seat materials always was. Now it is offered in the black and new cream color as well. We know the white interior will start in the fall and assume cream will be added at some point.

 

[Zaphod]

• Do the mirrors auto-fold when you walk away from the car?

Yes, I see this option to enable/disable in this screenshot:

 

[Zaphod]

• Phone as a key! Do I have to unlock my phone to unlock the car?!

these are the lock/unlock settings:

• walk up unlock
• walk away lock
• child protection lock (assume that is for rear doors)
• unlock on park

 

[Vistan]

Does the Long Range battery option at $9000 include any other items in addition to the battery itself and the 40amp charger?

 

[MP3Mike]

The press kit says, "60/40 split folding rear seat to maximize cargo options", but doesn't indicate if they fold completely flat or not.

But at least one review article has said that they do, and that there is 6'9" of space to lay down in if the front seats are all the way forward.

Driving Tesla’s Model 3 Changes Everything

 

[MP3Mike]

Does the Long Range battery option at $9000 include any other items in addition to the battery itself and the 40amp charger?

Not that we know of. (So probably No.)

Unless you count longer range, faster 0-60, faster Supercharging, and a higher top speed.

 

[BluestarE3]

Textile seating and no leather..?

"Leather" is part of the PUP offering.

 

[BluestarE3]

But at least one review article has said that they do, and that there is 6'9" of space to lay down in if the front seats are all the way forward.

Driving Tesla’s Model 3 Changes Everything

Right, but I think @Marsnaut was looking for a secondary source to confirm that Bloomberg article because he had read elsewhere that the seats only folded down partially.

 

[BluestarE3]

Not that we know of. (So probably No.)

Unless you count longer range, faster 0-60, faster Supercharging, and a higher top speed.

And an extra 265 pounds of curb weight?

 

[Ken7]

All Tesla models have now gone to synthetic leather just like the white seat materials always was. Now it is offered in the black and new cream color as well. We know the white interior will start in the fall and assume cream will be added at some point.

Even there it's unclear if the white is just cloth or faux leather.

 

[Vistan]

Why does the Long Range battery have a longer warranty mileage (120,000) than the Standard battery (100,000)? Is there a technical reason, or is it marketing?