# Tesla Model 3 novated lease: what you need to know The Model 3 is Tesla’s sedan, and a long-time favourite for novated leases. The higher-performance version sits well above the entry version on price. This page covers what matters for a novated lease on the Model 3, and the examples open it in the Navo engine for your figures. ## The short answer The Tesla Model 3 is a fully electric car, so on a novated lease it can be exempt from fringe benefits tax while its value is under the luxury car tax threshold for fuel-efficient cars. Under the changes announced in the May 2026 Budget (not yet law), from 1 April 2027 the full exemption is only for cars under a lower price threshold, with a partial discount above it, and from 1 April 2029 new arrangements get the partial discount. Some versions are likely to be under the lower threshold and others above it, so the version you choose can change the result from 1 April 2027. Existing leases aren’t affected. ## The FBT position for the Model 3 Some versions are likely to be under the lower threshold and others above it, so the version you choose can change the result from 1 April 2027. Under the announced changes, a version under the lower threshold keeps the full exemption for commitments made before 1 April 2029. Above it, only commitments made before 1 April 2027 keep it; after that, a partial discount applies. These changes are not law yet. ## Novated lease or car loan for a Model 3? Suits: Commuters and drivers who want a sedan rather than an SUV. On an exempt electric car a novated lease often costs less than a loan, especially on higher incomes. A loan can still suit if your employer doesn’t package, your income is lower, or a job change is likely. ## What to check before you sign - The exact version and its drive-away price. - Where that price sits against the lower threshold and the luxury car tax threshold. - When you commit and when the car will be provided. - What happens to the lease if you change jobs. - The residual at the end, and what the car is likely to be worth. ## Worked examples Open an example in the Navo engine, add your own income, and see the figures for every way to pay. [Work it out](https://navo.au/#start). - **A Tesla Model 3 on a novated lease.** Salary packaging at work, owning the car at the end. Add the drive-away price of your version. - **A Tesla Model 3 with no packaging at work.** No salary packaging available: see the car loan. Add the drive-away price. ## Questions ### Does the Model 3 version change the FBT result? It can from 1 April 2027: under the announced changes, a version over the lower price threshold gets a partial discount instead of the full exemption. ### Do I need my employer’s agreement for a Model 3 novated lease? Yes. Your employer signs the lease agreement and runs the deductions through payroll. Any employer can, and our partner millarX can set it up with them. ### What if I change jobs during the lease? The lease can move to your new employer if they package it, or the payments come back to you. From 1 April 2029 a lease moved to a new employer may get only the partial discount. ## Related guides - [Buy an electric car now or wait? What the FBT changes mean for your lease](https://navo.au/guides/electric-car-buy-now-or-wait/) - [The electric car FBT exemption, explained](https://navo.au/guides/electric-car-fbt-exemption/) - [When a novated lease is not for you](https://navo.au/guides/when-a-novated-lease-is-not-for-you/) Reviewed 2026-10-07. --- General information only, not tax advice. Check the final law and ATO guidance; prices and versions change. Navo's results are general information and indicative only. They are based on what you tell us and our assumptions, are not a credit assessment, quote or tax advice, and don't take all of your circumstances into account. Credit is subject to the lender's criteria. Fees and charges apply. Navo is a trading name of Blackrock Leasing Pty Ltd ABN 15 681 267 818, Australian Credit Licence 569484.