In China, this Tesla has small wheels. Why?

A new entry in the global market, the Tesla Model 3 Performance differs in China from the rest of the world. Here’s why.

It was quite a surprise to find out that the European and American versions of the new Tesla Model 3 Performance are not identical. Tesla does not communicate on these specificities, staying true to its principles of silence. Is it due to a shortage of parts? The worse road conditions in China that could affect the reliability of the rims and comfort? The need to lower the selling price? The hypotheses are numerous!

What impact on range?

Like any car, electric or not, the Tesla Model 3 is sensitive to changes in wheel size (rims + tires). There are multiple reasons: a slight change in the overall tire development, a higher rotational weight, and often a larger footprint.

On a Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, the transition from optional 18 to 19 inches results in a loss of 41 km of range (from 554 to 513 km). For the Long Range All-Wheel Drive, the same observation holds: -49 km when switching from 678 to 629 km.

For the Model 3 Performance, the conclusion is therefore the same: by not being fitted with 20-inch wheels in China, but with 19-inch wheels, it loses some range. We can estimate this by comparing the Chinese homologation cycles: there, the Model 3 Long Range sees its range decrease from 713 to 682 km when it gains 1 inch in wheel diameter, which is -31 km. The Rear-Wheel Drive goes from 606 to 567 km, which is -39 km.

Thus, it is reasonable to think that the Chinese Model 3 Performance enjoys about thirty kilometers more range than in Europe under comparable conditions. In China, it is rated at 623 km, but with a mixed homologation cycle that differs from Europe. Here, a Model 3 Performance with 20-inch wheels officially travels 528 km. With 19-inch wheels, it could rise to about 560 km. Not bad, right?

There’s also the aerodynamic aspect that Tesla does not detail: the European rims, with carbon flanges, may potentially provide a better aerodynamic score to reduce drag at stabilized speeds.

Coming soon to Europe?

Nothing currently suggests that this tire size will soon be offered in France in exchange for a price reduction. This could imply that the current 20-inch size would then become an option.

However, we know that Tesla is very good at promoting tire changes according to the seasons, with offers for rims + tires as a complete package. In winter, equipping the Tesla Model 3 Performance with a specific 19-inch package makes sense. Winter tires have different profiles, with higher and softer sidewalls to better maintain grip and reduce the loss of traction. The elimination of carbon components, which are very sensitive to salt, is another argument for changing wheels according to the seasons.

And you, what would you do with a Tesla Model 3 Performance?

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