Tesla’s Longest Range Electric Vehicle Has Arrived, But It’s Not Available to You | Carscoops

Tesla’s Longest Range Electric Vehicle Has Arrived, But It’s Not Available to You | Carscoops

      There is no indication yet on whether the new Model 3 variant will be available in markets outside of China.

      The Model 3 Long Range in China is equipped with a new 78.4 kWh NMC battery pack.

      This model is powered by a motor producing 302 hp, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds.

      The starting price for the new Chinese model is 269,500 yuan, approximately $37,950.

      Tesla has recently introduced a new version of the Model 3 in China, which boasts the longest driving range among all vehicles in the automaker's inventory. This new version, previously known as Model 3+, is now officially called the Model 3 Long Range, achieving a remarkable CLTC range of up to 830 km or 516 miles.

      As you might expect, this is not a completely new iteration of the Model 3. However, it marks the first variant in China to come equipped with a standard 78.4 kWh NMC battery sourced from LG, paired with an electric motor that generates 302 hp (225 kW). In contrast, the standard Model 3 features a less powerful motor rated at 260 hp (194 kW).

      It’s important to clarify the significance of the CLTC figures.

      The CLTC, or China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle, is generally more favorable than the WLTP cycle. This is attributed to its design, which aims to replicate driving conditions in crowded Chinese cities, thus incorporating more frequent stops and deceleration phases where an EV can capitalize on regenerative braking.

      We are still uncertain if Tesla intends to market this Model 3 version in other regions, but if that happens, the range figure will likely decrease.

      Performance and pricing

      The impressive elements of the Model 3 Long Range extend beyond its driving range. It can accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a commendable 5.2 seconds. Additionally, its pricing is quite competitive, starting at 269,500 yuan or roughly $37,500.

      This price is about 14 percent higher than the base Model 3 in China, which offers a CLTC range of 634 km (394 miles). If only a Model 3 with this extent of range were available at this price in the US.

      Tesla probably introduced this new version in China due to the intense competition it faces there. Last year, Xiaomi launched its SU7, which, in its range-focused Pro configuration, also boasts a CLTC range of 830 km (516 miles), although it is powered by a significantly larger 94.3 kWh battery pack.

Tesla’s Longest Range Electric Vehicle Has Arrived, But It’s Not Available to You | Carscoops Tesla’s Longest Range Electric Vehicle Has Arrived, But It’s Not Available to You | Carscoops

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Tesla’s Longest Range Electric Vehicle Has Arrived, But It’s Not Available to You | Carscoops

It is unclear if this new variant of the Model 3 will be available in markets outside of China.