- Delivered across Sydney
- Bond and fees shown before you pay
- Never swapped to a lesser car
A Tesla Model 3 Performance puts 370 kW and 660 Nm under your right foot, which is more power than most first-time EV drivers have ever controlled. The car will hit 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, yet it is also one of the easiest vehicles to drive gently once you understand two things: regen braking and charging. We rent this exact car from Parramatta, and this guide covers what a first time tesla driver actually needs to know before collecting the keys.
Book the Model 3 Performance
Ready to try your first EV in a car that makes it easy? Check availability and book the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance from our Parramatta base.
Why the Model 3 Performance Is a Good First EV
Most people assume a fast Tesla is the worst place to start. We think it is one of the best. The 2020 Model 3 Performance has dual-motor all-wheel drive, which means power goes to both axles and the car stays planted even when you are not trying. There is no gearbox to manage, no clutch, no turbo lag. You press the accelerator and the car moves smoothly and instantly.
It also has a 567 km range figure, which is far more than a day of Sydney driving requires. A first time tesla driver in this car will spend more time worrying about where to put their coffee than where to charge.
The minimum driver age for this car is 20, so it is accessible to younger drivers who have never touched an EV. The Model Y has a minimum age of 25, but the Model 3 Performance is the one we hand to people who want to learn in something genuinely quick.
If you want the full technical picture before you book, our 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance Review: Still the Benchmark Fast EV covers the hardware in detail.
The Two Things That Feel Strange at First
Regenerative braking
When you lift off the accelerator in a Tesla, the car slows down on its own. The motors act as generators and push energy back into the battery. This is called regenerative braking, and it is the single biggest difference between an EV and a petrol car.
For the first ten minutes it feels like the car is dragging. Then your brain adjusts. Most drivers stop using the brake pedal entirely in normal traffic within half an hour. The trick is to ease off the accelerator gradually rather than lifting your foot completely. Think of the pedal as a speed dial, not an on-off switch.
You can set the regen to Low if you prefer a more familiar coasting feel, but we suggest leaving it on Standard and letting yourself adapt. It makes city driving calmer once you are used to it.
One-pedal driving
Once you are comfortable with regen, you will find you can drive almost entirely with the accelerator. Come off it approaching a red light and the car slows to a stop. This is not a gimmick. It reduces fatigue in stop-start traffic on Parramatta Road or the M4.
When I drove it through the Lane Cove Tunnel, I barely touched the brake pedal. The car just modulated its own speed with small accelerator movements.
Charging Without the Panic
This is the part that worries first time tesla driver enquiries the most. It should not. The Model 3 Performance has a 567 km range, and Sydney is not a large city by global standards. You can drive from Parramatta to Bondi, out to the Blue Mountains and back, and still have charge left.
Tesla's Supercharger network is built into the car's navigation. You tap the lightning bolt icon, the screen shows nearby chargers, and the car will precondition the battery if you set a Supercharger as your destination. You do not need a separate app or a membership card. Plug in, the car communicates with the charger, and billing goes to the account on file.
For home or hotel charging, the car comes with a mobile connector that plugs into a standard wall outlet. That is slow, but it adds range overnight. If you are staying somewhere with a dedicated EV charger, even better.
We hand over the car with a charge that covers your first day comfortably. If you are on a multi-day rental, we will show you the charging basics at handover. It takes five minutes to explain and then you never think about it again.
Our Your First 24 Hours in a Rented Tesla: Ten Things to Do Straight Away covers the handover checklist in more detail.
What the Screen Actually Does
The Model 3 Performance has no instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. Speed, navigation, media and climate all live on the central touchscreen. This throws people at first, but the layout is logical.
The top left corner shows your speed. The map takes up most of the screen. Climate controls are pinned to the bottom. You swipe up for settings, swipe down for quick controls.
Autopilot is engaged by pulling the right stalk down twice. It maintains speed and lane position on marked roads. It is not self-driving, and you must keep your hands on the wheel, but it takes the edge off highway driving. On the M2 or the M7, it is genuinely useful.
If you want a deeper walkthrough of the interface, read Inside the Model 3 Performance: Screen, Autopilot and the Stuff Nobody Explains. It covers the settings most renters never find.
Sydney Roads Where It Makes Sense
The Model 3 Performance is based at Parramatta, which puts you close to the M4, the M7 and the Great Western Highway. From there you can be in the Blue Mountains in under an hour or in the city in half that.
In traffic, the car is quiet and easy. The dual-motor setup means it creeps smoothly and the regen handles most speed changes. On the M4, Autopilot reduces the workload.
Where the car comes alive is on twisty roads. The Spit Bridge climb up to Seaforth is a good example. The instant torque means you are at the speed limit before you realise it, and the all-wheel drive pulls you through corners without drama. Track Mode, which adjusts the power delivery and stability systems for circuit driving, is there if you book a track day, but you will not need it on public roads.
If you are comparing it to a traditional performance sedan, our Model 3 Performance vs Mercedes-AMG C63 S: Silent Speed or V8 Theatre piece explains the difference in character.
Who Each Car in Our Fleet Suits
We run three Tesla models in Sydney, plus a chauffeur service. Here is a quick guide to matching the car to the trip.
If you are a first time tesla driver who wants to learn in a fast car, the Model 3 Performance is the obvious choice. If you need space for five and a higher seating position, the Model Y is better. If you want to be driven, the Model X P100D is the only chauffeur option.
You can see the full range on our Tesla hire Sydney hub.
What to Do in Your First Ten Minutes
When you collect the car, we will walk you through the basics. But here is what we suggest you do before you leave the base.
- Adjust the seat and mirrors. The seat controls are on the side of the seat, and the mirror adjustment is in the screen's quick settings.
- Set your phone up for Bluetooth. The car will prompt you, and it takes thirty seconds.
- Familiarise yourself with the gear selector. It is a stalk on the right side of the steering column. Push down for drive, up for reverse.
- Check the regen setting. We leave it on Standard, but you can change it if you prefer.
- Enter your first destination in the navigation. This helps you understand the map layout and shows you nearby chargers if you need them.
After that, drive around the block a few times. Parramatta has plenty of quiet streets where you can get used to the throttle response without pressure.
Common First-Timer Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Treating the accelerator like a petrol pedal
In a petrol car, you press the accelerator and the car builds speed gradually. In the Model 3 Performance, the response is immediate. A small press gives you a lot of acceleration. Be gentle for the first few minutes. You will recalibrate quickly.
Forgetting to plug in
If you are on a multi-day rental and you have a charger at your accommodation, plug in every night. It takes ten seconds and means you never have to think about charge during the day.
Ignoring the range estimate
The car's range display is accurate, but it adjusts based on your driving. If you are heavy on the accelerator, the estimate will drop. That is normal. If you are worried, use the navigation to route via a Supercharger.
Panicking about the screen going dark
The screen can restart if it needs to. This is rare, but if it happens, the car still drives. Pull over safely, wait for it to reboot, and carry on.
Charging Etiquette and Practical Tips
Superchargers are shared. If you are at a busy site, do not leave the car plugged in once it is charged. Tesla charges idle fees if you occupy a stall after charging is complete, and those fees are shown in the app. The same applies to public chargers.
If you are using a standard wall outlet, check with the property owner first. It draws a lot of power over a long period, and some older wiring may not handle it.
For day trips, plan your charging around meal stops. By the time you have eaten, the car will be ready to go. The Model 3 Performance can charge quickly at a Supercharger, so a twenty-minute stop often adds more range than you need.
Why We Recommend It for First-Timers
The Model 3 Performance is not a difficult car to drive. It is a fast car, but it is also a forgiving one. The all-wheel drive keeps it stable, the regen makes city driving easy, and the range means you are not constantly looking for a charger.
We have handed this car to plenty of people who have never driven an EV. Within an hour, they are comfortable. By the end of the day, they are showing off one-pedal driving to their passengers.
If you want to book it, the car page has the full details and the booking process. If you have questions before you book, contact us and we will talk you through it.
If the Tesla Model 3 Performance is booked
We never move you down a tier. If your dates are taken, these are the performance cars we will offer instead, and we will tell you plainly if none of them is free rather than substituting something lesser on the day.
Tesla Model Y RWD
- 220kW
- 5.9s
- RWD
- 5 seats
Self-drive from 25, the everyday electric SUV in the fleet. Based at Merrylands, delivered anywhere in Sydney.
Tesla Model X P100D
- 568kW
- 3.1s
- 7 seats
- Chauffeur only
Falcon-wing doors, Ludicrous mode and a Drive Tribe driver included. No bond, no age limit for passengers.
Not Sure Which Tesla Fits Your Trip?
We run the Model 3 Performance, Model Y and Model X in Sydney. Compare them on our Tesla hire hub, or ask us and we will point you to the right car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tesla Model 3 Performance hard to drive for a first-time EV driver?
No. It is fast, but the dual-motor all-wheel drive makes it stable and predictable. The main adjustment is regenerative braking, which feels strange for about ten minutes and then becomes natural. We hand over the car with a full charge and walk you through the controls before you leave.
What is the minimum age to rent the Model 3 Performance?
The minimum driver age is 20. The Model Y has a minimum age of 25. The Model X is chauffeur-only, so there is no self-drive age requirement for that car.
How do I charge a rented Tesla in Sydney?
The car's navigation shows nearby Superchargers, and you can plug in without a separate app. For home charging, the car comes with a mobile connector that fits a standard wall outlet. We explain the basics at handover, and the process is straightforward once you have done it once.
What happens if I run low on charge?
The Model 3 Performance has a 567 km range, so running low is unlikely in a day of Sydney driving. If you do need a top-up, the navigation will route you to a charger. We also provide a contact number for support during your rental.
Do I need to return the car fully charged?
We ask that you return it with a reasonable charge, but we do not require a full battery. The exact return policy is explained at handover and in your booking confirmation. If you are unsure, just ask us before you drop it off.
Can I use Autopilot on my first drive?
Yes, but we suggest you get comfortable with the basic controls first. Autopilot is engaged by pulling the right stalk down twice, and it works well on marked highways. It is not self-driving, so you must keep your hands on the wheel and stay attentive.