Tesla: No free ride for Model 3 owners

Australian owners of the new Tesla Model 3 will have to pay to use the US car-maker's small network of superchargers.

The news follows a speech made by Tesla owner Elon Musk, in which he revealed that customers of the upcoming mid-size sedan -- unlike Model S and X owners -- will have to pay to use his firm’s fast-charger network.

Currently, in Australia, there are eight superchargers that stretch from Melbourne 1200km north up to Port Macquarie. All are free to use if you own the larger Model S.

Musk, who made the announcement at a shareholders meeting, says the decision to charge for the use of the rapidly expanding Tesla-developed charging network would help keep the purchase price of the Model 3 low.

Tesla's owner also confirmed that the Model 3 would begin rolling off the production line late next year and suggested owners who were upset about paying to use the superchargers could recharge their vehicles at home or work.

The superchargers give 270km of range after just 30 minutes of charging. A normal household socket only provides for a range of just 17km over the same time period.

Right hand-drive Model 3s are expected to arrive in Australia in mid-2018.

Tesla claims the base version of the Model 3, when it arrives, will boast an electric driving range of 350km and 0-100km/h acceleration in less than six seconds.

Faster and longer-range versions will follow after its launch.