New Model 3+ Might Subtly Emerge as Tesla's Most Significant EV to Date | Carscoops

      By increasing the range of its electric vehicle, Tesla will enhance its competitiveness against the Xiaomi SU7, which has a range of up to 497 miles.

      Tesla is set to unveil a long-range rear-wheel drive (RWD) Model 3+ variant in China.

      This new model integrates a single rear motor paired with a larger LG NMC battery pack.

      It is anticipated to deliver up to 497 miles of range based on China's CLTC testing cycle.

      Tesla is facing significant competition in the EV market in China, which has quickly become a hub of electric innovation. While the brand holds a strong position in the United States, it has to navigate a more congested and rapidly evolving environment in China.

      Numerous EV-exclusive brands are competing to launch new models at an impressive pace, continually advancing in design, technology, and affordability. To remain competitive, Tesla is set to introduce a fresh version of the Model 3 in China, referred to as the Model 3+.

      Details about the model became available when Tesla applied for a local sales license for this upcoming variant. While the name might imply a focus on performance compared to the current Model 3 Performance, that isn't entirely accurate.

      In reality, this updated version is expected to provide the longest driving range of any Model 3 released so far. Additional insights have been shared by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which recently published data outlining the expectations for the Model 3+.

      Rear-Wheel Drive, Enhanced Battery

      To start, this new model will exclusively feature rear-wheel drive. However, unlike the existing entry-level RWD model in China, which is equipped with a 62.5 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery from CATL, the Model 3+ will utilize a pricier NMC battery from LG.

      Tesla already offers an NMC-powered Model 3 in China—the Long Range version—but it is available solely in an all-wheel drive configuration, boasting a 78.4 kWh battery pack and a CLTC-rated range of 468 miles (753 km). By leveraging the energy density of an NMC battery and the efficiency of a single-motor rear-drive arrangement, the Model 3+ is expected to further enhance its range.

      It remains unclear if the Model 3+ will utilize the same 78.4 kWh battery as the Long Range AWD model, but this seems probable. Notably, Tesla already markets a Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 in the US equipped with a somewhat larger 79.7 kWh NMC battery pack, which strengthens the likelihood.

      It is believed that the Model 3+ will achieve up to 497 miles (800 km) of range on the generous CLTC cycle, thus matching the longest-range variant of the Xiaomi SU7. We expect it to be launched in the coming months, with additional details to be shared then.