Over the past few weeks, we have conducted a series of highway consumption tests with our Tesla Model Y Premium AWD to see how driving at 110, 120, and 130 km/h affects energy consumption and estimated range.

We then repeated the test with smaller wheels to determine how much of a difference they would make.

After publishing those results, many of you asked us to repeat the test with a Model 3.

So, that is exactly what we did.

This time, we took our 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland, equipped with a 60 kWh usable battery pack and 18-inch Michelin e-Primacy tires, and repeated the same three highway runs.

We recorded its average consumption and total energy usage at each speed, then calculated how those results affect its estimated full-battery range.

If you prefer a visual comparison and want to see the car in action, you can watch the full video below:

Test Conditions

For this test, we used the established route from our previous tests, measuring approximately 100 kilometers in total. Around 90% of the journey took place on the highway.

Before every run, we charged the Model 3 to 60% state of charge. We then drove to the halfway point, turned around, and returned along the same road. Following the route in both directions helps balance the effects of elevation and road direction.

Outside temperatures ranged between 14°C and 20°C. The Model 3’s climate control remained set to 20°C throughout all three runs.

The car was configured as follows:

Tesla Model 3 Highland

• Rear-wheel drive

• 60 kWh usable battery capacity

• 18-inch Michelin e-Primacy tires

Using the same car, route, starting state of charge, and climate control setting helped keep the three runs consistent. However, traffic, wind, and changing outside temperatures can still influence consumption.

The estimated ranges are calculated using the vehicle’s measured average consumption and a reference usable battery capacity of 60 kWh. They represent a theoretical journey from 100% to 0% under the conditions recorded during each run, without allowing for a reserve when arriving at a charger.

Test 1: Driving at 110 km/h

During the first run, we maintained a highway speed of 110 km/h.

The Model 3 Highland recorded an average consumption of 122.4 Wh/km and used a total of 12.6 kWh over the test route.

Based on its 60 kWh usable battery capacity, that translates to an estimated full-battery range of approximately 490 kilometers.

This was the lowest consumption recorded during the three tests, giving us a starting point for measuring the effect of increasing speed.

Test 2: Driving at 120 km/h

For the second run, we charged the car back to 60% and increased the highway speed to 120 km/h.

The Model 3’s average consumption rose to 133.7 Wh/km, and total energy usage reached 13.8 kWh.

Compared with the 110 km/h run, average consumption increased by approximately 9.2%. The car also used an additional 1.2 kWh over the test route.

Using the same 60 kWh usable battery capacity, its estimated full-battery range decreased to approximately 449 kilometers.

That represents approximately 41 kilometers less estimated range, or a reduction of around 8.5%, compared with driving at 110 km/h.

Test 3: Driving at 130 km/h

For the final run, we charged the car back to 60% and increased the highway speed to 130 km/h.

The Model 3 recorded an average consumption of 152.1 Wh/km and used a total of 15.7 kWh.

Average consumption increased by approximately 13.8% compared with the 120 km/h run. Total energy usage also increased by another 1.9 kWh over the route.

Its estimated full-battery range decreased to approximately 394 kilometers.

That represents approximately 55 kilometers less estimated range, or a reduction of around 12.1%, compared with driving at 120 km/h.

The second 10 km/h increase therefore had a larger effect on consumption and estimated range than the first.

What Do the Results Tell Us?

The results show a clear relationship between highway speed, energy consumption, and estimated range.

Across the three speeds, the Model 3 recorded:

• 122.4 Wh/km at 110 km/h

• 133.7 Wh/km at 120 km/h

• 152.1 Wh/km at 130 km/h

Increasing the speed from 110 to 120 km/h raised consumption by approximately 9.2%. Increasing it again from 120 to 130 km/h raised consumption by a further 13.8%.

Across the full increase from 110 to 130 km/h, average energy consumption rose by approximately 24.3%.

Total energy used over the test route also increased:

• 12.6 kWh at 110 km/h

• 13.8 kWh at 120 km/h

• 15.7 kWh at 130 km/h

The fastest run therefore required an additional 3.1 kWh compared with the slowest.

One of the main reasons for higher consumption at highway speeds is aerodynamic drag. As speed increases, the car needs more energy per kilometer to push through the air.

Aerodynamic drag increases roughly with the square of speed. However, this does not mean total energy consumption follows exactly the same relationship. Rolling resistance, drivetrain losses, climate control, wind, temperature, and road conditions also contribute to the final result.

How Much Range Does the Model 3 Lose at Higher Speeds?

The results demonstrate how significantly highway speed can affect the distance available from the same battery.

When increasing the speed from 110 to 120 km/h, the Model 3’s estimated full-battery range decreased from approximately 490 to 449 kilometers - a loss of around 41 kilometers, or 8.5%.

Increasing the speed from 120 to 130 km/h reduced the estimate by another 55 kilometers, or approximately 12.1%.

Across the full increase from 110 to 130 km/h, estimated range fell from approximately 490 to 394 kilometers. That represents a loss of around 96 kilometers, or 19.5%.

These differences compare the calculated full-battery ranges. They do not mean the car lost 96 kilometers of range simply by completing the roughly 100-kilometer test route.

The percentage reductions are calculated using the unrounded range estimates, so calculations based solely on the rounded kilometer figures may differ slightly.

Final Results

Our highway test produced a clear conclusion:

Increasing highway speed noticeably raises the Model 3’s energy consumption and reduces its estimated range.

Driving at 130 km/h instead of 110 km/h increased average consumption by approximately 24.3%. Using a reference usable battery capacity of 60 kWh, estimated full-battery range decreased from approximately 490 to 394 kilometers - a reduction of around 96 kilometers, or 19.5%.

Efficiency or Higher Speed?

Driving at 110 km/h produced the lowest consumption and the longest estimated range in our test.

Choosing a higher speed reduced that range, but how much time could it save?

For perspective, covering 100 kilometers at a constant 130 km/h rather than 110 km/h would save approximately eight minutes.

That is a theoretical comparison, rather than a measured journey-time result from our test. On a route that includes slower sections, the actual saving depends on traffic and how long each speed can be maintained.

For a longer journey, charging stops also become part of the calculation. Higher consumption may mean arriving with less battery remaining or needing to replenish more energy along the way.

The choice therefore depends on the journey, available charging options, and how much you value the time saved compared with the additional energy used.