Tesla is set to upgrade its budget-friendly 2025 Model 3 by adding a bigger battery, as indicated by recent regulatory filings.
New Battery Details
The new 6M battery pack will have the same number of cells as the existing Model 3 RWD battery. This suggests that the company may be using a different battery chemistry or a more effective way to package the cells, which could lead to higher energy density.
In Europe and the UK, Tesla has already launched a Model 3 Long Range version, achieving an impressive 702km (436 miles) on a single charge, a notable increase from the earlier 390-mile capacity.
Modest Range Improvements
However, the range increase for the Model 3 RWD in these markets will be less dramatic. According to the filing, the new range will be 520km (323 miles) per charge, which is only a slight improvement over the current rating for the 19-inch wheels.
Tesla is making this happen with a new 62.5 kWh LFP battery pack sourced from CATL, which maintains the same size and weight as the existing model. It’s worth noting that this isn’t a groundbreaking chemistry, as the energy density indicates that the upgraded Model 3 RWD battery doesn’t utilize CATL's manganese phosphate type.
Cost-Effective Strategy
It seems likely that Tesla aims to reduce costs by opting for CATL's latest LFP battery pack, which offers slightly better specifications at what is probably a significantly lower price.
This year, prices for battery-grade lithium have fallen to their lowest due to a decrease in EV demand, and CATL is likely providing attractive packs to Tesla for vehicles made in China that are then shipped worldwide, including to Europe.
There are speculations that this same battery pack might also be utilized in the Model Y Juniper refresh to keep expenses down, and enhancements to the charging curve could be forthcoming. We will have to wait until Tesla officially reveals the 2025 Model 3 RWD later this month or in the next quarter, which is expected to boast a confirmed range of 520km (323 miles) with the larger and more costly wheel option.
US Market Changes
Currently, Tesla no longer offers a base Model 3 version with an LFP battery in the US, as it does not qualify for federal tax credits. Nevertheless, the company has recently updated its range estimate for the LR version with the 19-inch wheels, indicating that it is actively working to enhance the 2025 lineup of its most economical vehicle.
