Tesla Model 3 and Model Y: What's New in 2022

Battery, range, onboard technology… In 2022, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y benefit from several improvements, and in one case, a regression.

Unlike most manufacturers, who renew their cars every 5 to 10 years, often with a facelift and modernization mid-cycle, Tesla evolves its cars through iterations, at least once a year.

The Model 3 and Model Y have just been updated. The manufacturer did not issue a press release, but updates were spotted on the manufacturer’s website, which a spokesperson we contacted confirmed and commented on.

Over 500 km of range for the base Tesla Model 3

To begin with, the base Tesla Model 3 was updated for the first time in early November, increasing its battery capacity from 54 to 60 kWh (+10%). It became heavier, from 1611 to 1745 kg (+7.7%), which led to a slight decrease in acceleration, with 0 to 100 km/h going from 5.6 to 6.1 seconds. However, its WLTP range has significantly increased! With the optional 19-inch Sport wheels, it gains 43 km, from 448 to 491 km (+8.8%). Tesla previously did not specify the range with the standard 18-inch Aero wheels, but it is now estimated at 510 km.

The Model 3 Standard Plus range has been renamed simply “Model 3.” Most importantly, despite fears that Tesla would raise the price—as it did in the United States—it did not. The Tesla Model 3 remains at 43,800 euros, allowing it to benefit from the maximum ecological bonus of 6,000 euros, valid until June 30, 2022. This includes one of the optional packages costing 1,190 euros (paint, wheels, interior).

New battery for the Tesla Model Y as well

The Tesla Model Y also benefits from a new battery, whose capacity increased from 74.5 to 79.5 kWh (+6.3%) at the beginning of January. The WLTP range for the Long Range Model Y has therefore increased from 507 to 533 km with the optional 20-inch Induction wheels (+4.9%), and up to 565 km with the standard Gemini 19-inch wheels. The Performance version’s range has increased from 480 to 514 km with the standard Überturbine 21-inch wheels (+6.6%).

Other improvements onboard

Tesla has made additional changes to the 2022 Models 3 and Y. Firstly, both now feature an AMD Ryzen processor, derived from the processor used in PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series gaming consoles. More powerful than the previously used Intel processor, it significantly improves the performance of the infotainment system, which now allows for playing full-fledged video games.

This new processor consumes more energy. According to Tesla, it justifies a slight decrease in the WLTP range of the Model 3 Long Range, which did not change its battery and thus now ranges from 614 to 602 km (-2%). It is assumed that the new range also accounts for increased energy consumption due to fully autonomous driving, which runs in the background even when the user has not activated or paid for the feature.

The new Model 3 and Model Y also now feature a 12 V lithium-ion battery, which is lighter. The versions equipped with the premium interior, namely the Long Range and Performance, now include enhanced audio systems, which “will enable upgrades via software updates,” according to Tesla. Lastly, the Model Y now benefits from laminated (double-glazed) rear side windows in addition to the front side windows.