Tesla is making ready to launch a brand new Mannequin 3 variant in China, the Mannequin 3+, which seems to be geared towards providing extra vary, seemingly round 800 km (500 miles).
Yesterday, we reported on Tesla’s submitting with China’s Ministry of Trade and Info Know-how (MIIT) for a brand new variant of the Mannequin Y, Tesla Mannequin YL, which options 6 seats.
Now, we be taught of a second new variant that Tesla has filed with MIIT, however this time for the Mannequin 3.
Tesla has filed for a brand new Mannequin 3+. The brand new variant is a single-motor rear-wheel-drive, but it surely encompasses a greater 225 kW motor than the present RWD variant.
In contrast to the present RWD variant, which options LFP battery cells, it options ternary lithium-ion battery cells from South Korea’s LG Power Options.
The scale and weight are the identical, due to the batteries with greater vitality density.
Whereas the MIIT submitting doesn’t point out vary, each spec and the identify level to Mannequin 3+ being geared towards reaching an extended vary.
Tesla’s three Mannequin 3 variants in China provide ranges of 634 km, 753 km, and 623 km. These are based mostly on the CLTC driving cycle
The brand new Mannequin 3+ is probably going going to recover from 800 km (500 miles) of vary.
It’s a much-needed replace, as many patrons have turned to different premium sedans in China with an extended vary, such because the Xiaomi SU7, which affords as much as 830 km (516 miles) of vary.
Electrek’s Take
It seems that Tesla is realizing it might probably’t compete within the decrease market section in China, so it’s shifting its focus to the higher market as a substitute.
I don’t suppose it’s a nasty thought. It gained’t enhance volumes, however it’s going to assist enhance its gross margins in China, that are at present hovering round zero %.
Tesla can’t afford to lose the value warfare and the specs warfare.
I feel it’s inevitable that it’s going to lose the value warfare in China, however I feel many individuals had been shocked that Tesla was additionally shedding the EV specs warfare.
