Why is the Tesla Model 3’s range so low in the USA?
This page is translated from the original post "Pourquoi l’autonomie de la Tesla Model 3 est si basse aux USA ?" in French.
- 10/01/2024 9:34
The commercialization of the Tesla Model 3 in the United States comes with really disappointing range figures. Why?
One of two things: either the homologation standards are extremely strict in the United States, or they are not strict enough in Europe. And even less so in China, where ranges are wildly exaggerated.
Thus, the recent Tesla Model 3 Propulsion shows 606 km of range in China, 513 km in Europe… and 437 km in the United States. A difference of 169 km!
Initially, one might ask why the same car does not have the same range everywhere on the planet? The primary reason is based on legislation, traffic laws, and driving patterns. In Europe, the calculation mainly considers semi-urban use, with little distance traveled on highways or fast lanes in the 100 km base used for calculation. Regeneration works well, and energy demand remains relatively contained.
In China, there is more urban driving, resulting in more regeneration and lower speeds even on fast lanes, making driving less energy-consuming.
Conversely, in the United States, the EPA cycle (Environmental Protection Agency) aims to be the most representative of American driving habits. On the other side of the Atlantic, daily distances are much higher than in Europe. And the use of highways (Highways) is almost systematic. This is why the ranges are much lower, as regeneration does not occur as much.
Climatic conditions of the country, which also influence the calculation of range, such as the use of air conditioning, are also important factors.
Finally, in the case of Tesla, but also other manufacturers, cars are not strictly identical technically. Battery chemistry can vary. The case of the Tesla Model Y is clear: European, Chinese, and American versions vary in this regard.
If we wanted to go further in the reasoning, we could say that the American homologation cycle is the most extreme and therefore most representative of a car’s real range on fast lanes.
Finally, an important point is false advertising. The United States is very strict about this, and disappointed customers are very zealous. They do not hesitate to take legal action if a commercial promise is not kept. Therefore, a manufacturer tends to underestimate its range rather than oversell it to avoid legal issues.
What a marvelous world…
READ ALSO: The Tesla Model 3 Highland finally sold in the United States
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