Tesla Model 3: Soon an Unlocking of Electronic Range?

Based on the same principle as the Tesla Model Y, the already circulating Model 3 could soon benefit from an increase in range.

Why change a winning formula? Especially when it is possible, with just a few clicks, to make a lot of money? For Tesla, this represents a new opportunity to generate revenue from vehicles that are already sold, and for owners to add value to their car at the time of resale.

In short, everyone is happy with the idea of unlocking the energy deployment capacity of Tesla batteries. Because it all relies on electronic management and lines of code, nothing more. With its Model Y Propulsion, Tesla has admitted to being too cautious regarding battery lifespan and thus performance loss.

To put it simply, Tesla ensures that the performance of its batteries is maintained by gradually releasing potential throughout the car’s lifespan. This is to compensate for the intrinsic wear of this storage mode.

Today, Tesla is reducing this buffer zone by unlocking range on its Model Y Propulsion exclusively, for a fee ranging from 1000 to 1600 dollars… or euros. The United States began deploying this offer on Friday, July 12, 2024. It will soon expand to Europe and the rest of the world… but is also likely to include the Tesla Model 3.

Model 3, a simple Model Y in sedan format?

Why will the Model 3 be in Tesla’s roadmap? Simply because it is based on the technical platform of the Model Y: one is a sedan, the other an SUV. That’s it. Because Tesla fears a massive glitch if it rolls out this electric unlock across its entire catalog at once, the models will be released gradually. This also allows them to occupy the media space at a lower cost.

This unlock does not apply to all generations of Model Y, and thus, in the future, to Model 3. Through an analysis of the performance of each vehicle, Tesla offers its clients the possibility – or not – of increasing range. On the Model Y Propulsion, it was found that these gains could vary between 50 and 112 km.

For the Model 3 Propulsion, with a much more aerodynamic profile and a lower mass (about -150 kg), these gains could reach between 70 and 150 km. This would be very appreciated. Nevertheless, one should not expect this offer from Tesla before 2025.

One unknown that will be clarified in the coming weeks through feedback from the first customers who have unlocked their battery on the Tesla Model Y is the charging times and curves of their car. There might be some unpleasant surprises…

Otherwise, there remains the option, also upcoming, to directly choose the imminent Tesla Model 3 Propulsion Grande Autonomie at the dealership. A formula that works…

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