Tesla Model 3 driving range extended

Australia’s top-selling electric car, the Tesla Model 3, has been updated, and now two of the three model grades can drive further on a full battery charge – up by as much as 43km to almost 500km for the most affordable version.

Pricing remains unchanged across the US EV brand’s Chinese-built Model 3 range, starting at $59,900 plus on-road costs for the entry-level single-motor rear-drive version now simply known as the Model 3 (previously ‘Standard Range’).

Importantly, Tesla’s cheapest EV – until the circa-$33,000 Model 2 hatch arrives – can now cover 491km based on the WLTP measure.

That’s an increase of 43km from the previous 448km, but the base-grade Model 3’s straight-line speed is now lower, the 0-100km/h sprint blowing out from 5.6 to 6.1 seconds.

The mid-spec twin-motor all-wheel drive Model 3 Long Range variant – priced from $73,400 plus ORCs – is good for a 614km range, up by 34km from the previous 580km.

There’s no change to the 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.4 seconds, while the top-spec dual-motor AWD Model 3 Performance (from $84,900 plus ORCs) also holds steady in terms of range (567km) and pace (3.3sec 0-100km/h).

The local launch of the new Tesla Model Y SUV is set to take place next year with the same three model grades, powertrains and battery packs.

According to some reports, the improved driving distance of the Model 3 is due to an increase in battery density, from 50kWh to 62.3kWh in the base-grade car, and from 75kWh to 82kWh in the Long Range model.

Tesla was contacted for comment on how it achieved the improved range, but is yet to respond.

Aussie-delivered Tesla Model 3 cars have been fitted with lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs since production shifted to China, which are cheaper to manufacture than the lithium nickel-cobalt aluminium oxide (NCA) battery cells – but are heavier.

The LFP battery packs are supplied by the world’s biggest EV battery manufacturer, Chinese-based Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited (CATL).

The Tesla Model 3 was named carsales Best Electric Car for 2021, and until the Model S and Model X come back on line in 2022, the Model 3 is only Tesla you can buy in Oz at present.

At entry level, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a 15-inch central touch-screen infotainment and driver display, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic glass roof, twin wireless phone chargers, four USB-C ports and the basic Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system with adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.

The Long Range version adds larger 19-inch all wheels, an upgraded stereo, heated rear seats, floor mats and LED front fog lights, while the top-spec Performance model comes with 20-inch alloys, upgraded brakes and tyres, lowered suspension, a carbon-fibre rear lip spoiler, alloy pedals and a special track mode.

Options include a Full Self-Driving package ($10,100) and several premium paint options including Solid Black, Deep Blue and Midnight Silver ($1500), plus a multi-coat red ($2900).

The changes to the Tesla Model 3 were broadcast on the American car-maker’s website via its configurator, and follows running changes to the EV over the past 18 months that have seen prices drop by several thousand dollars.

All Tesla Model 3 vehicles have a five-star ANCAP safety rating and are covered by a four-year/80,000km warranty. The battery warranty is eight years/160,000km.

Tesla is currently quoting waiting times for the Model 3 of between eight and 12 weeks, meaning deliveries of the updated series will get underway in the first quarter of 2022.

How much does the 2022 Tesla Model 3 cost?
Model 3 – $59,900
Long Range – $73,400
Performance – $84,900
* Prices exclude on-road costs