2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Goes the Distance Even When It's Cold Outside

Early EV adopters bought Teslas and Nissan Leafs because they were fine with all the novelty and the associated risks. They also firmly believed that battery-electric cars were truly environmentally friendly and wanted to contribute to the fight against global warming.

But, as time passed, we learned that modern-day EVs were the internal combustion engine-powered vehicles of the late 1890s. Near the dawn of the 20th century, major cities around the world dealt with a rather smelly problem: too much horse manure. The solution? Fossil-fuel-powered cars!

Back then, people were so happy about finally seeing their streets clean that they weren't able to anticipate the issues that cars would eventually create. Things took a turn for the worse around two decades later when GM's researchers discovered leaded gasoline helped engines put out more power.

A key person involved in that discovery also gave the world a class of refrigerants that badly damaged the ozone layer. The interwar period wasn't very good for humans everywhere and our planet.

Fortunately, EVs don't seem to pose the same level of danger to our health and environment. Mining and running through tires faster than usual is terrible. But it is a lot better than burning gas or diesel for mobility. Add that we're on track for more renewable energy, and cars like the Tesla Model 3 can truly help reduce transport emissions.

On top of that, it doesn't hurt that EVs are quicker, more silent, and don't require oil changes. They might be a bit more expensive to insure, and out-of-warranty battery replacements can be costly, but charging at home is a lot cheaper than filling up with gas. Pair that advantage with access to technology that enhances the ability to control the car, and it's to see why Tesla is on track to turn the Model Y into the world's best-selling vehicle.

But it's the Model 3 that has evolved and changed. So, it's time to see if those claims regarding a range improvement of about 10% are accurate. The facelifted dual-motor version should offer 390 miles of go on a single charge.

But do keep in mind that this is a WLTP-rated figure. That testing procedure is not as harsh as the EPA's. In the US, the new Model 3 Long Range should officially be capable of doing approximately 312 miles on a full charge. However, not even that figure should hold any value in the real world because the EPA tests cars in a lab where it charges them to 100% and lets them go until a 0% state of charge is reached. EV owners will rarely fully replenish and deplete their cars' batteries.

So, how's the all-new Model 3 Long Range performing when it's cold outside (46 degrees Fahrenheit) and you drive primarily on high-quality Swiss roads?

For starters, the vehicle's computer displays a range of 66 miles at 20% state of charge and 186 miles when the battery is at 55% SoC. The test vehicle shows a range of 336 miles with the high-voltage energy storage unit full.

After 177 miles of driving on a cloudy afternoon with the A/C on and at an average speed of about 50 mph, the vehicle consumed 44 kWh of energy out of the available 75 kWh. It ended the trip at 39% state of charge with 130 miles of go left. Keep in mind that Switzerland's highway speed limit is 75 mph, but many portions are limited to 62 mph.

The vehicle rode on 18-inch wheels with winter tires wrapped around them. If the driver were to continue until the battery tapped out, the total real-world range could have been close to 308 miles. That's not bad at all, but it's not very impressive either because Tesla is not known for providing accurate measurements.

Still, considering the weather conditions, the winter tires, the A/C functioning constantly, and the fact that the test driver spent almost half their time on a highway, the all-new Model 3 is bound to help you forget about range anxiety. In my book, that's a win for Tesla.

When the Model Y crossover receives the same set of upgrades and Full Self-Driving finally starts working as intended, the world's most valuable carmaker might just become the Apple of the automotive industry.