Tesla introduces latest model boasting extended range, equipped with innovative battery system
Tesla has recently unveiled a new single-motor Long Range variant of the Model 3, offering improved performance and an estimated range of around 700 km WLTP in Australia. The new variant, priced at approximately AU$57,700, boasts a faster acceleration of around 5.2 seconds from 0-100 km/h, making it more competitive in the electric vehicle market.
The new Model 3 Long Range variant is equipped with a 78.4 kWh Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (NCM) battery pack supplied by LG Energy. This battery pack is expected to provide the vehicle with a significant range improvement, estimated to be around 10% over the current dual-motor Long Range version, which offers 629 km WLTP.
However, it is currently unclear whether Tesla will introduce the new single-motor Model 3 Long Range variant in right-hand-drive markets outside China, including Australia. The Australian market currently offers the Long Range Model 3 as a dual-motor all-wheel-drive version, and Tesla typically aligns new variants to the market demands and production strategies.
In the Australian market, Riz Akhtar, the founder of carloop, a company specializing in Australian EV data, insight reports, and trends, drives a red Tesla Model 3. Akhtar, a mechanical engineer with a passion for EVs and a goal to reduce transport emissions in Australia, has spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure.
The pricing for the RWD single-range Model 3 starts at $54,900, offering up to 520 km of range. The Long Range AWD variant starts at $64,900 before on-road costs. The current Long Range dual-motor variant sold in Australia has 629 km of range on a single charge.
Tesla is currently offering summer incentives in the Chinese market, including 5 years 0% interest, an insurance subsidy of around $A1,700, charging incentives, and Enhanced Autopilot transfer for a limited time. It remains to be seen whether similar incentives will be offered in Australia to maintain a strong quarter of sales for Tesla's vehicles.
In summary, the new single-motor Long Range Model 3 is currently positioned for the Chinese market, with no public confirmation of launch plans for Australia or other right-hand-drive regions. The estimated delivery date for the entry-level RWD standard range is 1-3 weeks, while the new variant is scheduled for September 2025.
- The introduction of the single-motor Model 3 Long Range variant by Tesla is equipped with a 78.4 kWh Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (NCM) battery pack, supplied by LG Energy.
- In comparison, the RWD single-range Model 3 from Tesla is priced at $54,900 and offers up to 520 km of range, while the Long Range AWD variant starts at $64,900 before on-road costs.
- Riz Akhtar, a mechanical engineer and founder of carloop, specializing in Australian EV data, insight reports, and trends, currently drives a red Tesla Model 3 in the Australian market.
- Electric vehicles, such as the Model 3, are becoming increasingly competitive in the Australian market as they provide improved performance and an estimated range of around 700 km WLTP, like the new single-motor Long Range variant of the Model 3.
