Tesla Model 3 prices rise as delivery times blow out

A small price increase for the base Tesla Model 3 has been accompanied by significant expansions in delivery times for the world’s most popular electric car.

Pricing for the Model 3 now starts from $60,990 before on-road costs, an increase from $59,990.

Buyers are likely to find that easier to digest than the disappointment of waiting times which now stretch to between five and seven months.

Tesla’s Australian operation isn’t permitted to discuss business matters relating to the company, but the global semiconductor shortage is affecting supply as with every other car maker.

There are no price changes for the $73,200 Long Range and $84,900 Performance variants.

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Tesla updated its most affordable electric vehicle with larger batteries throughout the range, increasing the range of all three Model 3 variants.

The Model 3 entry model’s WLTP-rated range is now 491km, with the Performance rated at 547km and the Long Range living up to its name by taking owners up to 602km.

The base Model 3 was the only variant to lose some performance with its quoted 0-100km/h acceleration downgraded from 5.6 to 6.1 seconds.

The Long Range and Performance remain at 4.4 and 3.3 seconds, respectively.

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Latest Model 3s also feature an updated infotainment system that introduces what Tesla is calling “some of our most creative features”.

The large central touchscreen has gained a revised interface with simplified controls, available Dark mode, and a customisable app launcher.

Navigation now allows map details to be hidden, game additions include Sonic the Hedgehog and Sudoku, and TikTok now forms part of the Entertainment section.

A Boombox Megaphone could please budding politicians, allowing a voice to be projected via the car’s external speaker.

Among other updates, the blind spot camera provides a live camera view via the touchscreen – in a similar way to top-spec Kia and Hyundai models, though via their driver displays.

There is still no confirmation on timing for the Model Y SUV that is closely related to the Model 3.