Updated Tesla Model 3 has longer range, slower 0-100km/h
The Tesla Model 3 is now claimed to go further between charges as part of a model update that also drops the “Standard Range Plus” name from the entry-level car.
In line with changes made overseas, Tesla now refers to the most affordable version of the top-selling EV in Australia as the Model 3. The Long Range and Performance names remain unchanged.
But that entry level Tesla Model 3 is now claimed to travel up to 491km on a charge according to the WLTP cycle, representing a 43km increase – or about 10 percent further than previously.
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It also means the Model 3 now has a longer WLTP range figure than its two most obvious rivals, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD (451km) and the soon-to-arrive Polestar 2 Single Motor (440km); pricing of the Polestar 2 is closely aligned to the Tesla Model 3.
No word from Tesla on what has changed to eke out the additional range although it’s believed the battery capacity has been increased.
However, as part of update the Model 3 is also claimed to be slower than before.
Tesla has reduced the 0-100km/h claim from 5.6 seconds to 6.1 seconds. In a recent test we conducted with a Model 3 Standard Range Plus we clocked the 0-100km/h time as 5.99 seconds, so if there has been a change to the actual acceleration (rather than just a change in the claim) it could be slower again.
The Tesla Model 3 pricing hasn’t changed as part of the latest tweaks, still retailing from $59,900 plus delivery and on-road costs. It adds up to about $64,500 drive-away (depending on where you live), although some of that can be recouped by the rebates and incentives on offer from state and territory governments.
The dual-motor Model 3 Long Range that sits in the middle of the three-model lineup has also had its claimed WLTP range extended from 580km to 614km. That makes it one of the longest range EVs on the market.
The 0-100km/h time for the Model 3 Dual Motor is unchanged at 4.4 seconds and it still sells from $73,400 plus on-road costs.
The top-of-the-range Model 3 Performance appears unchanged, maintaining its claimed WLTP range of 567km and a 0-100km/h claim of 3.3 seconds (minus “rollout”, which is the time taken to get the car moving).
Its price is also unchanged at $84,900 plus luxury car tax ($2029) and on-road costs.
Another thing that’s changed with all three variants of the Model 3 is how long you’ll have to wait to park one in your driveway.
Just recently, Tesla was quoting as little as one week for delivery of what was then known as the Model 3 Standard Range Plus.
Now buyers are being quoted 8-12 weeks for all three model variants.
This is a smart move by Tesla, many people want as much range for their dollar as possible, they are less concerned with neck snapping performance that wastes power and wears out tyres. Those that need 0 to 100 in a blink of an eye can have it in the other models and the reputation/image of the quick ones rub off on the standard models anyway.
I suspect the wait times for delivery of the M3 will have been affected by the Hertz order, the production lines are flat out ATM so the Hertz cars are delaying all orders. Things will improve as Texas and then Berlin ramp up.
Tesla work in Quarters. Q4 production has finished, it’s either all in transit or ready to ship, and is “sold out”. The new delivery estimates mean if you order today you’ll be getting a car built at the start of next year, at the start of the next quarter.