Tesla has quietly upgraded its Model 3 and Model Y cars in China, and these changes are pretty exciting for electric car fans. Without any big announcements, Tesla improved both the driving range and speed of its popular Long Range AWD versions. This comes at a time when competition from Chinese electric car makers like Xiaomi and XPeng is getting really tough.
More Range, More Freedom
The Model 3 Long Range AWD can now drive up to 753 km on a single charge (according to China’s CLTC test), which is about 40 km more than before. That’s a nice boost of over 5%, making it easier for drivers to go farther without worrying about finding a charger. Tesla hasn’t said exactly what changed, but it probably means a better battery or smarter energy management.
Faster Acceleration, No Extra Cost
It’s not just about range. The Model 3 is now quicker off the line, going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds (down from 4.4 seconds). Before, you had to pay extra for this kind of performance, but now it’s included in the standard Long Range AWD model. The price has gone up a bit (about \$2,200 AUD), but you get more for your money.
| Model 3 Long Range AWD | Old | New |
|---|---|---|
| Range (km) | 713 | 753 |
| 0–100 km/h (sec) | 4.4 | 3.8 |
Model Y Gets Better Too
The Model Y Long Range AWD also sees improvements. Its range is now 750 km (up from 719 km), and it can hit 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds (faster than the old 4.8 seconds). Tesla hasn’t shared the new price yet, but it’s expected to be a little higher.
| Model Y Long Range AWD | Old | New |
|---|---|---|
| Range (km) | 719 | 750 |
| 0–100 km/h (sec) | 4.8 | 4.3 |
Why Now?
Tesla made these updates public on its Weibo page, right after Xiaomi launched its new YU7 electric SUV, which got a lot of attention and orders in China. But Xiaomi’s cars might take up to a year to deliver, while Tesla can get new cars to customers much faster. This quick delivery is a big advantage for Tesla as more brands like XPeng, Nio, and Li Auto jump into the electric SUV game.
Staying Ahead in the EV Race
With new electric cars coming out in China almost every month, Tesla’s quiet upgrades help it stay ahead—at least for now. The big question is whether Tesla can bring these improvements to other models and markets, especially with rumors about a cheaper, budget-friendly Tesla coming soon.
If Tesla can keep making these smart upgrades and get new models out quickly, it could keep leading the electric car race for a while longer.
Tesla’s new upgrades mean more range, faster acceleration, and better value for Model 3 and Model Y buyers in China. It’s a smart move to stay ahead of the growing competition, and it’ll be interesting to see if these changes come to other countries soon.