Key Takeaways
1. Tesla is launching a new Model 3 variant called the Model 3+ in China, offering improved specifications.
2. The Model 3+ is expected to have a range exceeding 800 km (498 miles) on a single charge, surpassing the current Long Range AWD model.
3. It will feature a single rear motor with 225 kW (301 hp) and use the same LG ternary battery pack as the Long Range AWD version.
4. The Model 3+ is set to be released in September and will be the longest-range vehicle Tesla offers in China.
5. The range figures are based on the CLTC cycle, which may inflate numbers compared to EPA estimates used in the US.
Tesla is set to launch a new variant of the Model 3 in China, called the Tesla Model 3+. This new model will offer improved specifications compared to the current Highland refresh lineup available in the region.
Current Offerings
At present, Tesla provides a single-motor AWD variant that boasts a tested range of 634 kilometers (393 miles) on the local CLTC cycle. Additionally, there is a dual-motor AWD Model 3 that enhances the range to 753 km, alongside the Performance model, which is more sport-oriented.
Expectations for the Model 3+
The upcoming Model 3+ is anticipated to surpass the Long Range AWD model in terms of how far it can travel on just one charge. A recent certification filing from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) suggests that the Model 3+ will utilize the same LG ternary battery pack as the LR AWD version. However, it will feature a single rear motor that produces 225 kW (301 hp).
The new Model 3+ will essentially mirror the existing Long Range AWD trim, but without the front motor. This design choice is expected to reduce the vehicle’s weight and enable a range exceeding 800 km or 498 miles on a single charge.
Release Timeline and Market Impact
Insiders suggest that the Model 3+ will hit the market in September, making it the vehicle with the longest range that Tesla offers in China. The only other option available for import is the Model S Plaid, which has a range of 672 km on a single charge.
It’s important to note that all these range figures are based on the local CLTC cycle, which tends to include more urban driving scenarios than the stricter EPA estimates used in the US. In reality, EPA range tests have shown to be much closer to actual driving conditions, whereas CLTC often inflates the numbers by about a third. Therefore, it’s possible that the Model 3+ will be similar in range to the current base RWD version sold in the US.
Tesla previously offered a Long Range RWD version in China a few years ago, but that had a smaller battery pack and a shorter range. The rollout of this longest-range vehicle, along with the six-seat Model Y L, seems strategically planned to enhance sales in China during the crucial last quarter of the year.
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