Bigger batteries, more range: Tesla confirms Model 3 updates

Tesla has just rolled out a series of minor updates to its best-selling Model 3 on its website, off the back of the model’s strong recent sales performances in this part of the world. 

The line-up is still made up of three variants. However, the entry level model has gone from being known as the ‘Standard Range Plus’ to now just being known as the Model 3. The Long Range and Performance nameplates remain unchanged. 

Range is the biggest change, here, with Tesla confirming more range capabilities for each model. Chinese-built Model 3s have reportedly inherited larger batteries; the base model moving to a 62.3kWh unit and the Long Range an 82kWh unit. 

The Standard Ra… sorry, the base model, now offers 491km of range on the WLTP cycle, an increase of 43km over previous ratings (noting that previous range figures provided by Tesla were based on the more sympathetic NEDC cycle). 

The Long Range also gets more range, going up from 580km on WLTP to 567km, while the Performance boasts a 567km range. The entry level model can hit 100km/h in 6.1 seconds, with the Long Range and Performance variants accomplishing the feat in 4.4 seconds and 3.3 seconds, respectively. 

Pricing is unchanged, having been given a big cut in April of this year. The self-titled Model 3 variant starts at $66,900, with the Long Range and Performance priced at $82,900 and $95,900, respectively. None of these prices include on-road costs. 

The Model 3 was a star performer in New Zealand’s September new-car sales data, outperforming all other nameplates barring the Ford Ranger, and becoming the first electric car to be the country’s best-selling passenger vehicle.