Tesla has introduced a new, longest-range model, a variant of the Model 3 with 830 km (515 miles) of range, but it is currently planned only for the Chinese market.
Last month, we reported on Tesla filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for two new variants of its existing models: Tesla Model YL, a 6-seat and longer variant of the Model Y, and a Model 3 Plus with a longer range.
For the latter, we knew based on the specs released in the filing that it would have a longer range than existing models, but we didn’t have the exact range.
Now, we learn more about the Model 3 Plus with a new filing.
The new variant of the Model 3 will get 800 to 830 km (515 miles) of range, depending on the wheel configuration.
That’s based on China’s CLTC driving cycle, which is based on more city driving and therefore, it gets a much longer range than the WLTP or EPA driving cycles.
The main differences with the new version of the Model 3 are a bigger 225 kW motor than the current RWD variant and ternary lithium-ion battery cells from South Korea’s LG Energy Solutions.
Electrek’s Take
Top comment by stetrain
Before you get too excited, keep in mind this is basically the same configuration as the Model 3 LR RWD that's already been available in the US, including the 78kWh battery capacity.
That car is rated for 363 miles of EPA range and achieve 386 miles on a real-world 70mph test by Out of Spec Reviews.
China uses CLTC ratings which give much higher numbers than EPA ratings. Maybe this new motor gives a small efficiency boost, but I bet if you took this car through the same EPA tests Tesla does in the US you'd get something very close to the 360-380 mile range of that existing LR RWD model.
This is the kind of Tesla news that I like: actual improvements on the current lineup.
I would prefer to see Tesla launch new models rather than just variants of existing ones, but it’s clear that Musk is limiting Tesla’s EV business right now as he focuses almost entirely on autonomy and robots.
Now, the question is whether this is only going to be for the Chinese market or if it is going global.
I’d think that Tesla will bring this to other markets because going upmarket in China wouldn’t be a great strategy for Tesla. It currently badly needs cheaper EVs in the Chinese market, not more expensive ones.
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