Tesla Model 3 at 90 vs 140 km/h: 58% more range, but 22 minutes slower
The Enhance channel drove a Model 3 Highland on the same ~100 km route at 90 and 140 km/h. Consumption fell from 154.8 to 97.7 Wh/km. Plus practical efficient-driving tips for Romanian roads.
How much does driving style matter in an EV? The "Enhance - S3XY Buttons" channel tested it with a Tesla Model 3 Highland (60 kWh usable, 18-inch wheels on Michelin e-Primacy tyres) on the same roughly 100 km route, about 90% motorway. Both runs started at 60% charge, at around 20°C.
The two runs
- Efficient: 90 km/h, smooth acceleration, climate control off. 1 h 16 min, battery from 60% to 42%, 10.1 kWh, an average of 97.7 Wh/km, or an estimated ~614 km of range (above the 572 km WLTP figure).
- Normal: 140 km/h where possible, overtaking, climate at 20°C. 54 min, battery from 60% to 29%, 15.9 kWh, an average of 154.8 Wh/km, or ~388 km.
The result
Consumption was 36.9% lower on the efficient run, and estimated range rose by about 227 km (+58.4%). The cost: 22 extra minutes per 100 km. The hosts say it pays off when you need to reach your destination without another stop, less so when you have charge to spare. A middle ground between the two runs is also an option.
Tips for Romanian roads
- On the A1 and A2 motorways, speed is the biggest factor. You don't need to crawl at 90: a few km/h under the 130 km/h limit already cuts consumption and can save a charging stop.
- In winter, don't switch the heating off as in the test. Use the seat and steering-wheel heaters, which use less energy than heating the cabin air.
- Precondition while still plugged in, and set the charger as your navigation destination so the battery arrives warm.
- Tyre pressure drops with temperature. Check it cold, against the values on the door pillar.
- Regen: anticipate traffic and lift off early instead of braking hard.
