Has the Tesla Model 3’s Range Been Secretly Increased?

To our knowledge, no manufacturer offers two vehicles that are strictly identical with different ranges… except Tesla!

Like many of our colleagues, we check Tesla France’s website daily to watch for discounts, analyze financing options, and hunt for good deals. It remains ultimately the best way to gauge the pulse of the most media-covered automaker in the world. But today, it was a small anomaly in this well-oiled matrix that caught our attention. In the Available Vehicles section, we found brand new 2025 Model 3 Propulsion models, with identical technical characteristics, but differing ranges. Indeed, some models display 513 km of range, while others claim 520 km. We immediately thought of different tire setups or hubcaps, but that’s not the case. A difference of 7 km, or 1.36%, not enough to disrupt daily use, but by no means trivial.

On the official presentation page of the Tesla Model 3 Propulsion, the range is listed as 520 km, but as of October 2024, when the technical sheets of the new Highland model were published, it was 513 km.

We emphasize, nothing seems to justify this discrepancy. These are new models, not demo cars or low-mileage used vehicles. The rim sizes are the same, and the technical sheets show no major updates. The only hint is that models with 513 km range are indicated as “Available for pickup”, while those at 520 km are marked “En transit – Coming soon”.

An hypothesis of a new battery seems immediately attractive, but Tesla remains discreet about any changes in its production chain. Another possibility could be a software adjustment. Tesla has already proven that OTA (over-the-air) updates can optimize energy management. Why not a Spring update hidden like an Easter Egg? It wouldn’t be the first time. The explanation could also be purely regulatory, with an update to WLTP range testing. But in that case, the result is often worse.

After boasting, maybe Tesla is into hiding?

Finally, Tesla might simply want to differentiate its stocks for logistical or commercial reasons. More range could, for example, motivate waiting a few extra days for the vehicle in case of stock shortages. But that’s not really the case for Tesla at the moment, with sluggish sales. Production is running at a frantic pace, and the goal is rather to clear out stock. This commercial and marketing scenario thus seems unlikely.

This discrepancy, however subtle, fuels the mystery, and we must admit that we currently have no explanation to offer. If Tesla has truly integrated an innovation, even discreet, into its upcoming models, why not proudly announce it? We’ve contacted Tesla France for clarification and are investigating to uncover the reason behind this range difference. To be continued…

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