Compare the exact versions, not just the nameplates
RWD, Long Range and Performance alone do not report battery capacity and do not guarantee range. Tesla’s European Table lists different Model 3 and Model Y drive variants with different consumption figures. Compare the exact model, generation, drive and wheels, not just the nameplate.
Tesla’s European table lists the combined WLTP consumption; don’t mix it with the driving range value from another version. For the city, estimate sufficient mileage for your trips and the possibility of home charging; for long-distance routes, the expense on the track and the charging curve of a particular version. Do not attribute the Long Range driving range to Performance: check the official line with the documents of the car being examined.
WLTP is a benchmark, not a promise of kilometers
WLTP is a standardized laboratory test for comparing cars, not the promise of mileage on any trip. Official values are obtained in a laboratory procedure; the EU separately collects data on actual operation and compares them with WLTP. Compare the cars measured according to the same standard, and consider the exact version and wheels.
The real range is affected by speed, driving style, weather and relief. In the Tesla España reference, the kilometers near the battery indicator are described as an EPA certification calculation, not a personal driving style calculation: do not confuse this number with the catalog WLTP. To estimate your trips, use the Energy app: it takes into account the actual consumption and allows you to compare it with the forecast of the route.
Peak kW is not equal to time from 10 to 80%
The maximum kW at the rack is the station limit, not the power that the car is guaranteed to take. Tesla warns that not every car is capable of taking peak rack power; speed depends on model, battery, charge and temperature and drops as it fills up. Therefore, one peak value is not enough to bring the time from 10 to 80%.
Comparing the claimed time of 10-80%, check for which version it is specified and under what conditions it is measured. Before fast charging, set the station as a destination in navigation if the car supports battery preparation. On the route, use the Trip Planner forecast and do not bet that the last interest will take as long as the first.
Chemistry and kWh require specific vehicle inspection
Do not remove the battery chemistry and capacity in kWh from one year or the nameplate configuration. The 2017-2023 Model 3 manual specifies that there are separate limits for LFPs, and the LFP type is displayed in “Management → Software → Additional Vehicle Information.” Check the details of the car and documents.
On the charging screen, find the recommended daily and travel limits: Tesla advises targeting the car's tip or app for the battery installed. Do not apply the universal advice “always up to 80%” or “always up to 100%” without checking. Tesla also recommends not leaving the battery around 0% or 100% long.
What to check with a used Tesla
At the inspection, ask to show the battery information menu and the charging screen. Do not confuse the certification range on the indicator with the personal forecast Energy app: Tesla explains that these are different estimates. If possible, do a short DC session and record the initial charge and displayed power; this will check charging performance, but will not replace battery diagnosis.
Tesla points out that the available range gradually decreases with age and battery use. If the car supports a battery check, ask the seller to open “Management → Service → Battery Status” and show the result; not every car has a feature. Clarify the conditions of the test and do not consider the assessment reading a substitute for independent diagnosis in case of doubt.
What to check before buying
Check the production year and market, exact variant, wheels, the car’s charging recommendations, AC/DC operation and battery documents. Use the manual in the specific car for operating instructions.