For years, the loudest voice in the Australian EV conversation has been a nervous whisper: range anxiety. It has been the final, stubborn barrier preventing thousands of interstate drivers and family adventurers from making the switch. You could drive an EV for the daily commute, but crossing the Nullarbor? Or even Sydney to Melbourne without a major, heart-stopping stop? That remained firmly in combustion-engine territory.

Until now.

Tesla has just moved the goalposts of electric mobility in Australia.

The launch of the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant is not just an update; it’s a monumental technical victory. Boasting an officially claimed 750km (WLTP) range, this new Model 3 immediately seizes the crown as the longest-range electric vehicle currently available in the Australian market.

At EV Evolution, we don’t just report the news; we dissect the engineering and gauge the real-world impact. This single vehicle release marks the effective end of range anxiety for the overwhelming majority of Australian drivers. The future is here, and it has almost unlimited legs.

👑 The New Range King: 750km, Explained

The 750km WLTP figure is a jaw-dropper. For context, it eclipses the previous longest-range contender—the Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor—by a substantial margin, and it pushes far beyond the outgoing Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive’s 629km claim.

How did Tesla do it? The science is simple but brilliant:

1. Optimised Battery Chemistry: The key lies in the updated battery pack, understood to be a high-density NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) unit with a usable capacity of around 82kWh. This chemistry offers superior energy density compared to the LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells often used in the standard RWD models.
2. Less Weight, More Efficiency: Tesla has strategically opted for a Rear-Wheel Drive configuration for this long-range model, sacrificing the performance and grip of the dual-motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model. By eliminating the front motor and its associated drivetrain components, the car is significantly lighter and experiences less mechanical drag.
3. Aero Perfection: The 2026 Model 3 continues to leverage the aerodynamic improvements introduced with the ‘Highland’ facelift (including the aerodynamically optimised 18-inch Photon wheels, essential for achieving the full 750km claim). Aerodynamics are the silent hero of EV range, and Tesla remains the master of minimizing drag.

This combination of a high-energy battery, a lighter single-motor drivetrain, and surgical aerodynamic efficiency results in the most energy-frugal EV to ever hit our shores. Even accounting for a realistic real-world highway range of 650km to 700km, this capability completely changes the equation for long-distance driving.

🇦🇺 Interstate Travel: The End of Anxiety

The 750km claim isn’t about bragging rights; it’s about practical Australian utility.

• Sydney to Melbourne (approx. 880km): This iconic journey is now easily achievable with just one brief, rapid recharge. The previous generation required two, sometimes three, stops. The new Model 3 enables a single 15-minute Supercharger stop to top up 300km, turning a fraught journey into a genuinely smooth road trip.
• Melbourne to Adelaide (approx. 720km): Theoretically, the Model 3 Long Range RWD can cover this distance with no charging stops required, depending heavily on speed and conditions. For the average driver, this means maybe one brief pit-stop, allowing you to bypass regional chargers and only rely on the reliable Supercharger network.
• The Weekly Commute: For the vast majority of drivers, this range means you can potentially drive for 10-12 days without needing to plug in, making it a compelling option even for those without at-home charging—a huge win for apartment dwellers.

This extended range, coupled with Tesla’s continuously expanding Supercharger network—which has now surpassed 1,000 stalls across Australia and New Zealand—creates a true point of differentiation. The ecosystem is finally complete: a car with immense range, supported by the most robust charging infrastructure.

💰 Pricing, Value, and the FBT Context

What makes this release truly remarkable is its position in the market.

Priced from an aggressive A$61,900 (plus on-road costs), the Long Range RWD sits comfortably within reach of many Australian buyers, especially when considering the significant savings it offers.

• FBT Exemption: Crucially, this pricing places the vehicle well under the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles (approximately $91,387 for the 2025-26 FY). This makes the new Long Range RWD a prime candidate for novated leasing and the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption, potentially saving thousands of dollars in tax for business users.
• Rivals Dethroned: At this price point, you get more range than luxury EVs costing twice the amount, officially dethroning rivals like the Polestar 3 as the outright range champion while undercutting it significantly on price. This is a potent cocktail of value and performance.

🔬 Evolution Under the Skin: More Than Just Range

The 2026 update isn’t solely about the battery. Tesla has listened to customer feedback and refined the core package:

• Indicator Stalk Returns: The controversial steering-wheel buttons for indicators have been retired, with the traditional indicator stalk making a welcome return, improving usability, especially on Australian roundabouts.
• Subtle Aero Tweaks: The exterior sees minor adjustments to further enhance aerodynamics, including blacked-out badging for a sleeker, more contemporary look.
• Interior Refinement: Acoustic glass, a redesigned interior, ventilated front seats, and the addition of an 8-inch rear screen for climate and entertainment ensure the cabin remains a comfortable and quiet place for those epic interstate journeys.

🏁 EV Evolution Verdict

The 2026 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD is a statement of intent. It demonstrates Tesla’s relentless focus on efficiency and reaffirms its dominance in the crucial mid-size electric sedan segment.

This car removes the last logical objection to going electric for the Australian masses. It is fast, efficient, well-priced, and now offers genuine, multi-state cruising capability. This is the moment the EV market shifts from “early adoption” to “mainstream must-have.”

🤖 Join the Evolution: Get the Real-World Data

The WLTP cycle is a powerful metric, but what does 750km truly look like on your specific route? How does the new NMC battery chemistry handle a 40°C Australian summer? And how much will you actually save using the FBT exemption?

Don’t rely on guesswork.

At EV Evolution, we encourage you to try chatting with our AI-powered chatbot today. It is trained on the latest Model 3 specs, real-world consumption figures.

• “Calculate my TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) for the 750km Model 3 vs. a petrol BMW 3-Series over 4 years.”
• “What is the fastest charger I can use with the new Model 3 Long Range RWD?”
• “Run a realistic range projection for the Sydney-to-Brisbane trip (900km).”

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.