For the American car company Tesla, the Model 3 was supposed to be what the Model T was to Ford. The dream was a revolution in transport, taking electric cars to the masses.

But it seems those masses won’t include drivers in the UK, who will have to pay a hefty premium over the $35,000 (£26,500) price offered to US buyers.

The first Model 3s are due in Britain later this year. The right-hand drive models will be pricier — and better equipped. Shipping and extra taxes will make them roughly 25% more expensive than their US equivalents, costing close to £50,000.

Elon Musk, co-founder of Tesla DANIEL ACKER/GETTY IMAGES

The top-rated Performance model will have a price tag nearer £60,000, which puts it in the territory of the electric Jaguar I-Pace (£64,495).