Expanded capacity and heightened speed added to Tesla's all-wheel drive models amidst increasing competitive pressure
Tesla has announced significant upgrades for its Model 3 and Model Y Long Range variants in China, enhancing their range and performance. These improvements are currently exclusive to the Asia-Pacific market and are expected to roll out to North America and Europe in the future.
## Model 3 Range and Performance Upgrades
The Model 3 Long Range now offers a CLTC-rated range of 753 km, up from 713 km, marking a 5.6% improvement. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time has been reduced from 4.4 seconds to 3.8 seconds, significantly boosting performance. The price of the Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive has increased by RMB 10,000 (about $1,400), now priced at RMB 285,500 (approximately $39,300).
## Model Y Range and Performance Upgrades
The Model Y Long Range’s CLTC-rated range has increased from 719 km to 750 km, a 4.3% improvement. However, there is no reported change to the acceleration for the Model Y Long Range; its performance remains consistent with previous offerings.
## Key Takeaways
- **Model 3 Long Range:** Notable range and acceleration improvements; price has increased. - **Model Y Long Range:** Range improved; price and performance remain the same. - **Battery Details:** No official information on battery pack redesigns; upgrades likely involve efficiency tweaks and software. - **Availability:** Upgrades are currently exclusive to the China market, with expected rollout to other regions in the future.
These changes reflect Tesla’s ongoing efforts to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving EV market. As the market becomes more competitive in the second half of 2025, Tesla may need to release its affordable models sooner rather than later to maintain its competitive edge.
Meanwhile, various mid-sized SUVs, including Xpeng G7, Li Auto i8, and Nio's Onvo L90, are about to launch, aiming to compete for the mid-size SUV family EV customer in China.
Sources: [1] Tesla China Weibo page [2] Tesla's official website [3] InsideEVs [4] Electrek
In the evolving electric-vehicle market, Tesla's strengthened Model 3 Long Range now sports a longer range and quicker acceleration, mirroring advancements in lifestyle and technology. The Model Y Long Range, on the other hand, boasts an extended range, with the cars' performance and pricing remaining consistent as they compete against emerging electric SUVs, such as Xpeng G7, Li Auto i8, and Nio's Onvo L90, in China's market.
