Photo: @Y2KColin via Twitter
Tesla is preparing to launch a redesigned version of the Model 3, with many new features under the hood. As rumors about an imminent launch abound, a new range certification in China filed in July fuels the speculations. Intriguingly, Tesla applied to re-certify both the Model 3 and the Model Y.
Although Model 3 and Model Y started by sharing the same technical details when the latter launched in 2020, they are now very much divorced. The Model Y, although newer, has been constantly updated inside and out, whereas the Model 3 has remained largely unchanged.
The electric crossover features a structural battery pack which, in the case of the Texas-made AWD version, uses the new 4680 battery cells. It also adopted megacastings to simplify the production process. There are many tweaks under the hood, including a new, more comfortable suspension and, recently, the Hardware 4 Autopilot computer.
After Tesla recently revamped the Model S and Model X, the Model 3 is now the only one without an update since its launch in 2017. That's a long time by automotive standards, and Tesla acknowledged that its former best-seller has grown long in the tooth. Not only from the consumer standpoint but also in terms of production costs.
The Model 3 redesign started last year under the "Project Highland" code name, with the aim to bring costs down and offer up-to-date features to the electric sedan. This almost certainly means adopting megacastings and a structural battery pack, like the Model Y, but also new features. Rumors speak about additional cameras, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and more, many requested by fans for a long time.
The battery pack and the drive units will also be upgraded, and Tesla revealed that it intends to use hairpin motors with no rare-earth elements. This significant change will likely void current certifications, forcing Tesla to apply for new ones. This also happened with the revamped Model S/Model X when it launched earlier this year.
The refreshed Model 3 was rumored to be already in trial production. Many prototypes caught testing in the US and China showed that a launch might be imminent. Still, nothing supports this theory better than a new certification filing for the Model 3 in China. According to documents submitted to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Tech in July, Tesla wants both the Model 3 and Model Y re-certified for range and efficiency.
The filings offer the consumption figures for the new models. Still, they are less relevant, considering China uses a different assessment cycle. Still, translating the documents reveal that the Model 3 is a tad heavier (+10 kg/22 lbs.) and has a slightly better range (563 km/350 mi instead of 556 km/345 mi) than the current model listed on Tesla's Chinese website. While this is less relevant, it's important to note that the certification implies that the refreshed Model 3 deliveries will not be too far.
The electric crossover features a structural battery pack which, in the case of the Texas-made AWD version, uses the new 4680 battery cells. It also adopted megacastings to simplify the production process. There are many tweaks under the hood, including a new, more comfortable suspension and, recently, the Hardware 4 Autopilot computer.
After Tesla recently revamped the Model S and Model X, the Model 3 is now the only one without an update since its launch in 2017. That's a long time by automotive standards, and Tesla acknowledged that its former best-seller has grown long in the tooth. Not only from the consumer standpoint but also in terms of production costs.
The Model 3 redesign started last year under the "Project Highland" code name, with the aim to bring costs down and offer up-to-date features to the electric sedan. This almost certainly means adopting megacastings and a structural battery pack, like the Model Y, but also new features. Rumors speak about additional cameras, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and more, many requested by fans for a long time.
The battery pack and the drive units will also be upgraded, and Tesla revealed that it intends to use hairpin motors with no rare-earth elements. This significant change will likely void current certifications, forcing Tesla to apply for new ones. This also happened with the revamped Model S/Model X when it launched earlier this year.
The refreshed Model 3 was rumored to be already in trial production. Many prototypes caught testing in the US and China showed that a launch might be imminent. Still, nothing supports this theory better than a new certification filing for the Model 3 in China. According to documents submitted to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Tech in July, Tesla wants both the Model 3 and Model Y re-certified for range and efficiency.
The filings offer the consumption figures for the new models. Still, they are less relevant, considering China uses a different assessment cycle. Still, translating the documents reveal that the Model 3 is a tad heavier (+10 kg/22 lbs.) and has a slightly better range (563 km/350 mi instead of 556 km/345 mi) than the current model listed on Tesla's Chinese website. While this is less relevant, it's important to note that the certification implies that the refreshed Model 3 deliveries will not be too far.
$Tesla The redesigned Model 3?Highland) and Model Y have begun to go through relevant govt procedures in China's Ministry of Industry and Information Tech. It is expected that govt registration process will be completed soon, and officially open for sale(at least for Model 3). pic.twitter.com/QqTLd5aEow
— Eliena (@liuwen_52) July 31, 2023
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