Model 3 Performance
510 ch · 78 kWh · 2024
Motorway range comparison
Trip mapped at a glance. Charging stops visible, total duration predictable. Caralogy simulation at 130 km/h.
Paris → Marseille · 130 km/h · Caralogy simulation
| Model 3 Performance | i3 (120 Ah) I01 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 7h23−78 min | 8h41 |
| Charging stops | 3 stops−3 stops | 6 stops |
| Total cost | 50,77 € | 45,72 €−5,05 € |
Both vehicles drive at 130 km/h. The difference comes from charging stops.
Analysis
Both vehicles drove at 130 km/h for the entire trip. The gap is built at the stops: 3 stops totalling 22 min for the Model 3 Performance versus 6 stops totalling 100 min for the i3 (120 Ah) I01.
The official WLTP figures (16,7 kWh/100km for Model 3 Performance and 13,1 kWh/100km for i3 (120 Ah) I01) are measured on a mixed cycle averaging ~46 km/h. At a steady 130 km/h, aerodynamic drag weighs much more heavily — it grows with the square of speed. Caralogy calculates a motorway consumption specific to each vehicle based on its aerodynamic profile (SCx), weight and power curve — not a uniform correction factor. For this trip, the simulation yields 19,4 kWh/100km (Model 3 Performance) and 15,5 kWh/100km (i3 (120 Ah) I01). Full methodology: see the dedicated button above the summary.
During the 22 minutes of charging for the Model 3 Performance, range recovers by 443 km. During the 100 cumulative minutes for the i3 (120 Ah) I01, range recovers by 583 km. Per minute: the Model 3 Performance recovers 3,5× faster. At this rate, the charging stop blends into the trip rhythm — just enough time for a coffee. At a lower rate, it dictates the pace.
A Peugeot 508 1.6 PureTech 180 (equivalent segment) consumes about 7,2 L/100km on the motorway at 130 km/h. At 1,9 €/L, this Paris → Marseille trip would cost ~103 €. That is 2,0× the electric cost of the Model 3 Performance and 2,3× that of the i3 (120 Ah) I01. The gap narrows in winter but never reverses.
The cost per kilometre depends on the electricity rate applied to each segment — based on the energy source used at that point of the trip.
| Segment | Distance | €/km | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Tournus, A6initial energy charged at home · 0,21 €/kWh | 362 km70 kWh consumed | 0,041 €/km | 14,74 € |
| Tournus, A6 → Valence, A7energy charged at Supercharger 234 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 161 km31 kWh consumed | 0,087 €/km | 14,04 € |
| Valence, A7 → Manosque, A51energy charged at Supercharger 234 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 161 km31 kWh consumed | 0,087 €/km | 14,04 € |
| Manosque, A51 → Marseilleenergy charged at Supercharger 235 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 91 km18 kWh consumed | 0,087 €/km | 7,95 € |
| Trip total | 50,77 € | ||
| Segment | Distance | €/km | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Beaune, A6initial energy charged at home · 0,21 €/kWh | 221 km34 kWh consumed | 0,032 €/km | 7,16 € |
| Beaune, A6 → Tournus, A6energy charged at Ionity 54 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 98 km15 kWh consumed | 0,070 €/km | 6,82 € |
| Tournus, A6 → Limonest, A6energy charged at Ionity 54 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 98 km15 kWh consumed | 0,070 €/km | 6,82 € |
| Limonest, A6 → Valence, A7energy charged at Ionity 54 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 98 km15 kWh consumed | 0,070 €/km | 6,82 € |
| Valence, A7 → Montélimar, A7energy charged at Ionity 54 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 98 km15 kWh consumed | 0,070 €/km | 6,82 € |
| Montélimar, A7 → Manosque, A51energy charged at Ionity 54 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 98 km15 kWh consumed | 0,070 €/km | 6,82 € |
| Manosque, A51 → Marseilleenergy charged at Ionity 54 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 64 km10 kWh consumed | 0,070 €/km | 4,45 € |
| Trip total | 45,72 € | ||
How many kilometres do you recover depending on the time spent at the charger? Comparison at nominal peak power.
| Charging stop duration | Tesla Model 3 Performance | BMW i3 (120 Ah) I01 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | ~75 km | — |
| 10 minutes | ~150 km | — |
| 20 minutes | ~301 km | — |
| Full session 10 → 80 % | ~282 km20 min | — |
Replace one of the two with an alternative from the same segment
510 ch · 78 kWh · 2024
170 ch · 37.9 kWh · 2018
The advantage comes from the combo real range + charging speed. On Paris → Marseille (775 km at 130 km/h), the Model 3 Performance arrives in 7h23 with 3 charging stops.
WLTP consumption does not reflect motorway reality. Aerodynamic drag grows with the square of speed, so real consumption is 15 to 25 % higher than WLTP combined. Caralogy calculates a highway consumption specific to each vehicle based on its aerodynamic profile (SCx), weight and power curve.
Total time = driving time + charging time. Driving time is calculated at an average speed of 130 km/h on the motorway (adjustable). Charging time is calculated based on the real power curve of each vehicle, respecting the optimal 10 → 80 % range and the maximum power accepted by the chargers on the route.
No. The displayed cost covers only the energy consumed during the trip: kWh × energy rate, with a mix of home charging and DC fast chargers. Battery wear is a long-term ownership cost, not a trip cost.
Electric: 50,77 € (Model 3 Performance) and 45,72 € (i3 (120 Ah) I01). An equivalent petrol SUV (~8 L/100 km) would cost about 115 € in motorway fuel. Electric costs less in energy but adds charging stops.