Interior Electronics

In addition to storage compartments and cup holders (see Interior Storage), the Model 3 interior supports various electronics such as USB ports, wireless phone chargers, and a low voltage power socket.

USB Ports

Model 3 has four USB ports. The three USB-C ports output up to approximately 42W or two ports up to approximately 65W.

One USB-C port is located in the rear compartment of the center console used to charge USB devices.
Two USB-C ports, which can be used to charge USB devices, are located below the rear cabin vents on the center console.
One USB-A port is located inside the glovebox. This port is equipped with a USB flash drive. The secure location of this USB port makes it ideal for saving Sentry Mode and Dashcam video footage. It also supports audio files from a phone or USB device (see Playing Media from Devices).

See USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos for information about formatting USB flash drives.

Note

Power is available whenever the vehicle is considered "awake". The vehicle may be awake for many reasons. For example, when using features such as Summon, or when features such as Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, Camp Mode, or Sentry Mode are enabled. The vehicle is also awake whenever the low voltage battery is being charged or is in use, during high voltage charging, when the vehicle is communicating with the mobile app, etc. Leaving an accessory plugged in does not deplete the low voltage battery.

Note

Use USB 3.0 compliant cables to connect a device to a USB port. Using non-compliant cables can result in slower charging, potential connection problems or degraded performance.

Note

Do not connect multiple devices using a USB hub. This can prevent connected devices from charging or from being recognized by Media Player, Sentry Mode, Dashcam, etc.

Wireless Phone Chargers

Wireless phone chargers are integrated into the front console, providing up to 15W of power to charge Qi-enabled phones. To charge your phone, place it on one of the two charge pads. The phone must be in direct contact with the wireless charger. Your device may feel warm while charging, but this is a normal effect of inductive charging.

CAUTION

Before you charge, remove any objects (coins, keys, metal objects, etc.) between the phone and charger, as well as any NFC cards (for example, the vehicle key card, credit cards, or hotel key) placed on or behind the phone (like with integrated phone cases). Damage to NFC cards can occur when you charge the phone without first removing the card.

When placed on the wireless charger, your phone charges whenever the vehicle is powered on (the touchscreen is on and you are in the vehicle). Your phone does not charge when you leave the vehicle unless a feature, such as Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, Camp Mode, or Sentry Mode is enabled.

Note

The wireless phone charger may not work if your phone case is too thick or is made of metal. Try removing the phone from its case before placing it on the charger.

Note

The wireless phone charger does not charge if the vehicle's high voltage Battery is discharged.

Low Voltage Power Socket

Your Model 3 has a power socket located in the center console's compartment. To access the low voltage socket, open the front compartment of the center console.

Center console with arm rest lifted, revealing power socket in the compartment

The power socket is suitable for accessories requiring up to 12A continuous draw (16A peak).

Note

Power is available when the vehicle is in use or detects that a user is present. A user is considered present when a person is in the driver seat or interacts with the touchscreen. Power is also available during Camp Mode. Leaving an accessory plugged in does not deplete the low voltage battery.

Warning

The power socket and an accessory’s connector can become hot.

Warning

To prevent excessive interference with the vehicle’s electronics, Tesla recommends that you do not plug any non-Tesla accessories, including power inverters, into the low voltage power socket. However, if you do use a non-Tesla accessory and notice any malfunctions or unexpected behavior, such as indicator lights, alert messages, or excessive heat from the accessory, unplug the accessory from the low voltage power socket immediately.

CAUTION

Do not attempt to jump start Model 3 using the low voltage power socket. Doing so can result in damage.