Tesla Unveils New Model 3 with Record-Breaking 436-Mile Range

Tesla’s latest offering in the UK and Europe is turning heads. The American automaker has launched a new longer-range version of its popular Model 3, boasting an impressive 436 miles of official range. This news comes from a recent announcement by Tesla, signaling a significant leap in EV technology and market competition.

Pricing and Efficiency

The new rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Model 3 Long Range starts at £44,990 (approximately $56,420), a £5,000 ($6,270) premium over the standard Model 3. But it’s not just about distance – Tesla’s emphasizing efficiency gains too. The new model uses just 20.1kWh to cover 100 miles, down from 20.6kWh in previous versions.

“We’re targeting hardcore travelers,” a Tesla rep told me. They’re pretty proud of these numbers, and I can see why. It’s just a hair behind the Polestar 2 Long Range single motor, which uses 19.8kWh per 100 miles.

What’s Under the Hood?

Tesla’s being coy about battery specs, but industry insiders reckon it’s probably the same 75kWh unit found in the Model Y Long Range RWD. The rest of the car? It’s got all the bells and whistles from last year’s Model 3 update.

We’re talking:

• Acoustic glass
• Improved suspension and seals
• Upgraded dampening
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated seats in both rows

The Bottom Line

Tesla’s claiming this new Model 3 offers the best price-to-range ratio on the market. They’ve done some quick math, figuring a driver doing about 10,000 miles a year with cheap overnight charging might only spend £150 (about $188) annually on electricity. Pretty wild, right?

You can order the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD now, with deliveries kicking off in November.

EVXL’s Take

This new Model 3 variant is a game-changer in the EV space. It’s pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible for range and efficiency in mass-market electric vehicles. Looking at the bigger picture, this move by Tesla could force other manufacturers to up their game.

We’ve seen Tesla consistently lead in EV innovation, and this latest offering is no exception. It’s not just about raw numbers, though. The improved efficiency and potential cost savings for consumers could be a major selling point, especially as more people consider making the switch to electric.

What do you think about Tesla’s new long-range Model 3? Will this push other automakers to focus more on range and efficiency? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

The featured photo is from the Tesla website for The Netherlands showing the increased range. Photo courtesy of Tesla.