Paris-Marseille Journey: The New Tesla Model 3 Outshines the Old One

Mobiwisy took on the Paris-Marseille challenge with the old Tesla Model 3. Does the new version, introduced at the end of 2023, do better?

There are two ways to read the technical specifications of an electric car: simply looking at the listed range, and/or paying attention to the charging speed. And it is today that the distinction is made between a good and an excellent car.

The example of the new Tesla Model 3 is striking. On paper, the ranges have changed little compared to the previous generation. In reality, it is the same car, but its technology has been extensively revised and its aerodynamics refined. And that makes all the difference! Proof of this is shown here with a comparison between the old and new models, marketed since late 2023.

In a previous article, Mobiwisy analyzed which Tesla Model 3 was best suited for the Paris-Marseille route. In the end, the difference was only 25 minutes over a 9-hour trip, between the cheapest version and the most expensive (and with the most autonomy). The exercise was very instructive.

Today, we repeat the exercise using the most advanced trip planner currently available, A Better Route Planner.

The comparison between the 2023 and 2024 versions is very enlightening. First, the stopping points have changed dramatically over this 788 km distance: from Superchargers in Auxerre, Dardilly, and Montélimar, to Avallon, Mâcon, and Montélimar. Additionally, the charging times have been reduced by extraordinary proportions.

In the end, the time savings between the two generations of Tesla Model 3 Propulsion amount to 1 hour and 38 minutes on the same trip. More importantly, the other lesson is that an electric car can compete with a gasoline vehicle, which also needs to stop for fuel and stretch its legs. Impressive.

Is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range finally relevant?

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range has a surprisingly strategic charging pattern: a super quick 8-minute stop at Tournus, then a second of 20 minutes at Salaise-sur-Sanne. And in the end, it’s another 1 hour and 38 minutes saved, just like the Propulsion.

Between the two generations, we see that the gap has barely increased between the Propulsion and Long Range versions: it was 29 minutes before, now it’s 31 minutes. A minor detail.

It’s up to you to judge whether these 31 minutes, over a trip lasting 442 or 471 minutes (a 6.5% difference), are worth the €9,000 price difference. Just as a reminder, the Tesla Model 3 Propulsion costs (in April 2024) €39,990, compared to €48,990 for the Long Range.

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