Quick Read
- The Tesla Model 3 was the Netherlands’ best-selling used electric vehicle in 2025, with 11,338 units sold.
- It captured 11.1% of the Dutch used EV market, significantly outpacing competitors like the Volkswagen ID.3.
- A new Tesla Model 3 Standard variant has launched in the UK, starting at £37,990.
- This new UK model is £2,000 cheaper than the outgoing base model and up to £13,000 less than some rivals.
- UK-specific features include 18-inch wheels for resale value, a 332-mile WLTP range, and a lower top speed (110mph) for reduced insurance costs.
The Tesla Model 3 continues to carve out an extraordinary legacy in the electric vehicle landscape, demonstrating a dual prowess that few competitors can match. On one hand, it has asserted undeniable dominance in the used car market, notably becoming the best-selling second-hand EV in the Netherlands in 2025. On the other, Tesla is strategically expanding its reach by introducing a new, more accessible ‘Standard’ variant in the UK, significantly lowering the entry barrier to ownership. This two-pronged approach highlights Tesla’s sophisticated market strategy: fostering long-term value and widespread adoption while simultaneously attracting new buyers with compelling affordability.
The Netherlands’ Used EV King: A Market Phenomenon
In 2025, the Netherlands witnessed a significant surge in used car sales, with electric vehicles playing an increasingly prominent role. Out of over 2.1 million used cars sold, approximately 4.8% (around 102,000 vehicles) were electric. Within this burgeoning segment, one model stood head and shoulders above the rest: the Tesla Model 3. According to Teslarati, a staggering 11,338 used Model 3s changed hands last year, securing an impressive 11.1% share of the country’s entire used EV market. This means that more than one in ten second-hand electric cars sold in the Netherlands was a Model 3.
The scale of this lead is truly remarkable. The Model 3’s closest competitor, the Volkswagen ID.3, lagged far behind with 4,595 units sold, capturing a mere 4.5% market share. The Audi e-tron came in third with 4,236 registrations. While the Audi e-tron’s appeal in the used market was reportedly boosted by relatively lower residual values despite its higher original price, it still couldn’t come close to the Model 3’s sheer volume. Other strong performers like the Kia Niro, Tesla Model Y, and Hyundai Kona also saw continued demand, underscoring the market’s preference for reliable compact and midsize electric vehicles. However, none could rival the Model 3’s commanding presence.
What explains this overwhelming dominance? Several factors contribute to the Model 3’s enduring appeal in the used market. Its early market penetration means a larger existing fleet, leading to more available second-hand units. Furthermore, Tesla’s reputation for innovation, performance, and a robust charging infrastructure (Supercharger network) likely instills confidence in buyers, even for a pre-owned vehicle. The Model 3 has proven itself as a reliable, high-performing EV, making it a sound investment for those looking to enter the electric mobility space without the cost of a brand-new car. This widespread acceptance in the used market is a powerful testament to the Model 3’s intrinsic value and Tesla’s long-term impact on the automotive industry.
A New Chapter: The UK’s Affordable Model 3 Standard
While the Model 3 asserts its stronghold in the used market, Tesla isn’t resting on its laurels. The company is actively expanding its new car offerings, particularly with the introduction of the new Model 3 Standard in the UK. This variant arrives with an aggressive starting price of £37,990, making it a game-changer for potential EV buyers. As reported by Carwow, this new entry point is a significant £2,000 cheaper than the outgoing base model and an even more substantial £7,000 less than the next cheapest Model 3 variant.
This strategic pricing positions the Model 3 Standard as a formidable competitor in the UK’s increasingly crowded EV market. It’s not just cheaper than its Tesla siblings; it drastically undercuts many of its direct rivals. For instance, it’s more than £13,000 cheaper than a BMW i4, approximately £7,600 less than a Mercedes CLA Electric or a BYD Seal, and offers a saving of about £7,100 compared to a Polestar 2. These figures, highlighted across multiple sources including News.Az, demonstrate Tesla’s clear intent to make EV ownership more accessible to a broader demographic. Beyond outright purchase, competitive lease prices further sweeten the deal, with options available for less than £300 per month through Tesla, complete with generous mileage limits. This aggressive pricing strategy is a strong signal that Tesla is committed to democratizing electric vehicle ownership, challenging traditional automakers to adapt or risk being left behind in the race for mainstream EV adoption.
Tailored for the UK: Features, Performance, and Value
So, what does this more accessible Model 3 Standard offer for its price point, and what adjustments has Tesla made specifically for the UK market? While the focus is on affordability, the Model 3 Standard still delivers a compelling package. It comes with an approximate 70kWh battery, providing a respectable WLTP range of 332 miles. This is an improvement over the 323 miles offered by the outgoing Rear-Wheel Drive version and compares favorably with rivals like the basic BMW i4, which manages 316 miles from a similar capacity. However, a Polestar 2 can achieve 344 miles on a charge with a same-sized battery, indicating a competitive but not class-leading range.
Performance-wise, the Model 3 Standard accelerates from 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds. While this is slightly slower than the 5.8 seconds of other international versions, it’s still more than spritely enough for most drivers. A key UK-specific alteration is the electronically limited top speed of 110mph, a move designed to reduce insurance costs. Indeed, this modification helps place the Model 3 Standard in insurance group 32, the lowest for any Tesla to date, offering tangible savings for UK buyers. Other cost-saving adjustments include the removal of the cupholder cover, simplified white ambient lighting, passive shock absorbers instead of adaptive ones, and a seven-speaker audio system. The interior features fabric and vegan leather upholstery, and the car comes standard with 18-inch wheels, which Top Gear notes are included to help maintain resale values.
Despite these adjustments, some premium features are retained. Crucially, and unlike the Model Y Standard, the Model 3 Standard still includes a panoramic glass roof, offering an open and airy cabin experience. Furthermore, it comes equipped with Tesla’s basic Autopilot system and is hardware-ready for Full Self-Driving (Supervised), with activation pending local regulatory approval. This balance of cost-saving measures and retained core features demonstrates Tesla’s commitment to delivering a compelling electric vehicle experience at a more accessible price point, without compromising on essential appeal or future-proofing.
The Tesla Model 3’s journey from a revolutionary new EV to a dominant used car choice, coupled with its re-entry into the UK market at an unprecedented price point, underscores a masterclass in market adaptation and long-term vision. This dual strategy of accessibility and sustained value firmly positions the Model 3 not just as a popular car, but as a critical catalyst in accelerating the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, proving that innovation and affordability can indeed go hand-in-hand.