Is the Tesla Model 3 Black a Metallic Paint?

[JaylaFitz]

It is metallic paint. Here is more information: 1. Model Introduction: Tesla is an American electric vehicle and energy vehicle company, all of its cars are pure electric vehicles. The first car was the Roadster released in 2008, which is a two-door, four-seat convertible sports car. 2. Power Configuration: A 200 kWh battery pack with a maximum torque of 10,000 Nm. The official claimed maximum range reaches 992 km. The 0-96 km/h acceleration time is 1.9 seconds, and the 0-160 km/h acceleration time is 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 400 km/h. Although the model was officially launched on November 17, 2017, the official delivery time was in 2020.

[StAlexandra]

The standard black paint on the Tesla Model 3 is not metallic; it's a solid black paint without added metal flakes, so it won't sparkle in sunlight. This is quite common, as entry-level colors often use non-metallic paint to reduce costs. I understand that Tesla's other optional colors, like Deep Blue Metallic or Midnight Silver Metallic, offer a metallic effect, but those come at an additional charge. When choosing black, pay attention to paint care—regular paint is more prone to scratches, especially during car washes, which should be done gently to avoid fine marks. Some people choose black for its classic and timeless look, but don't expect it to have a dazzling effect. Tesla's online configurator confirms this directly—if you select standard black when ordering, it's non-metallic. Adding a clear paint protection film can better shield the paint, especially from small stone chips during daily commutes, extending the vehicle's exterior lifespan.

[VanEvangeline]

My own Model 3 is plain black, and after more than two years of use, I can confirm it's not metallic paint. When I first drove it home, it looked rather flat under sunlight. The advantage of non-metallic paint is its affordability and ease of cleaning—just a simple wash can maintain its shine. However, the downsides are obvious: it's prone to scratches and stains. For example, bird droppings under trees need to be cleaned promptly; otherwise, they can seep into the paint over time, causing issues. Tesla offers a variety of color options, and choosing black means accepting it as the basic version. When advising friends, I always say if you're after that bling bling metallic shine, go straight for the pearl white or deep blue premium options. It costs more but is worth it. For maintenance, a weekly wax can make standard black paint shine, looking just as good as metallic.

[CorbinDella]

The black color on the Tesla Model 3 is a basic, non-metallic paint. It's a solid black finish that doesn't contain metal flakes, so it lacks that sparkling reflective shine. In contrast, other colors like red or silver have a metallic effect, making them more eye-catching in sunlight. You can confirm this through the configuration options on Tesla's official website when ordering - standard black is a free option. I've spoken with many owners who prefer this color for its simple and understated look, keeping a low profile on the road. In terms of maintenance, non-metallic paint is easier to care for in daily use, and maintaining a clean appearance just requires slightly more frequent washing.