Melbourne Radio Hosts Push Tesla Model 3 to its Limits on Live Radio
Range anxiety continues to be a significant hurdle for many Australians contemplating a move to electric vehicles (EVs). While manufacturers are actively developing new models designed to alleviate these concerns – for instance, BMW’s upcoming iX3 SUV boasts a claimed maximum range of 805km – a burning question persists: what truly transpires when an EV’s battery finally gives out in a real-world scenario?
To put this to the test, Nova 100 radio hosts Jase Hawkins and Lauren Phillips embarked on a dramatic experiment right in the heart of Melbourne. They set out to discover just how far Lauren’s Tesla Model 3, which was a standout performer as Australia’s third-best-selling electric car in 2025, could travel on its last dregs of power.
The challenge was broadcast live on air, with the duo starting their journey with a mere 4 per cent battery capacity. Their mission was to navigate the bustling inner-city streets of Melbourne, accompanied by a tow truck, until the Tesla’s battery officially registered as 0 per cent.
Their entire adventure was meticulously documented on their Instagram page, providing a fascinating real-time look at the Tesla Model 3’s surprising endurance. The completely depleted electric sedan impressively surpassed the 15, 30, and 40-minute marks without any apparent signs of distress or performance degradation.
While the car showed no immediate indications of slowing down, the electric sedan finally reached its ultimate limit after a remarkable 55 minutes of driving. In that extended period, it managed to cover more than 19 kilometres after the battery indicator had already hit zero.
The Moment of Truth: Warning Signs and a Gentle Stop
As the battery depleted further, the Tesla Model 3’s sophisticated infotainment screen began to flash prominent red warning signs. These visual cues instructed the occupants to safely pull over to the side of the road as the vehicle prepared to lose all power.
Remarkably, even after the car had run out of energy, the occupants retained the ability to unlock the doors. The final moments captured in the video footage show the battery-powered sedan being carefully lifted onto the waiting tow truck, a testament to the careful planning of the stunt.
It’s understood that the specific Tesla Model 3 used in this daring challenge did not suffer any adverse effects and simply required a comprehensive recharge to be ready for its next journey.
Real-World Range: What the Data Tells Us
This live experiment provides a compelling anecdotal insight into EV capabilities, but it’s also worth considering the findings from more formal testing. As previously reported, real-world testing conducted by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) in March 2025 revealed some interesting data regarding EV ranges.
According to the AAA’s findings, a 2024 Tesla Model 3 rear-wheel-drive variant was capable of achieving a maximum distance of 441km under genuine Australian driving conditions. This figure is a crucial point of reference, as it reflects the complexities of everyday use, including varying speeds, road surfaces, and environmental factors.
The AAA’s analysis also highlighted a notable discrepancy between the Model 3’s real-world performance and its officially advertised range of 513km. This difference amounted to approximately 14 per cent, underscoring the importance of understanding how advertised figures translate to actual driving experiences.
The hosts’ bold experiment, while a dramatic demonstration, aligns with the broader conversation about EV range and the diminishing returns experienced as a battery approaches depletion. It offers a unique, albeit extreme, perspective on the technology’s capabilities and the practical considerations for drivers in Australia.
