Tesla launches new Model 3 in China, Europe with longer driving range

Tesla on Friday unveiled a restyled Model 3 with an extended driving vary in China and different markets together with Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Japan, placing strain on rivals who’re anticipated to announce new electrical autos within the subsequent few days.

In China, the world’s largest auto market, the refreshed model of the Model 3 got here with a beginning worth 12% increased than the earlier, base rear-wheel drive mannequin, reversing a development towards worth cuts which had sparked a worth struggle between Tesla and its Chinese EV rivals.

The up to date model of the Model 3 was Tesla’s first new or restyled automobile because it launched its world best-seller, the Model Y, in 2020. Tesla plans to start out manufacturing of its Cybertruck later this 12 months.

The rollout of the Model 3 in China and markets to which Tesla exports from its manufacturing hub there steered that its Shanghai plant could be first to make the mannequin. Tesla additionally makes the Model 3 at its plant in Fremont, California.

The new Model 3 guarantees an extended driving vary for China, in line with the corporate’s web site. The commonplace model has a rated vary of 606 km (377 miles) based mostly on China’s testing requirements. That’s about 9% increased than the bottom mannequin it replaces in China.

Tesla stated it had began taking orders and would start deliveries in China within the fourth quarter. In Australia, deliveries had been set for January.

Tesla offered 64,285 China-made electrical autos in July, down 31% from a month earlier, the newest knowledge from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) confirmed. In an announcement issued by its China operations, Tesla stated the brand new mannequin featured a greater acoustic system, an improved and extra snug inside and a show display for back-seat passengers. Images of the outside confirmed small adjustments that gave the sedan a sleeker entrance and new headlights.

The Tesla announcement got here days earlier than the Munich auto present the place German automakers are anticipated to announce a run of latest EVs. Those embody a brand new model of the Volkswagen ID.7 and a brand new electrical CLA mannequin sedan from Mercedes.

Reuters first reported final November that Tesla was creating a revamped model of the Model 3 in a undertaking codenamed “Highland”. People concerned within the undertaking stated it was aimed toward chopping manufacturing prices and boosting the enchantment of the mannequin.

In China, the brand new Model 3 begins at 259,900 yuan ($35,807.78), the corporate’s web site confirmed on Friday.

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