Tesla's Model 3 Long Range model is once again available in the U.S.
Tesla
Tesla has reopened orders for the highly sought-after Model 3 Long Range in the U.S. after the configuration had been unavailable for months. The popular electric vehicle was removed from Tesla's lineup last year, citing an excessively long waitlist for production. Now, eager customers can finally place their orders for the car, with deliveries expected to begin next month.
The Model 3 Long Range AWD is now available for purchase at a price of $47,240. It qualifies for a federal tax incentive of $3,750, bringing the final price down to $43,490. The vehicle boasts an impressive estimated range of 325+ miles and a top speed of 145 mph, along with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 4.2 seconds.
New Model 3 Configuration Sparks Speculation About Battery Chemistry
The return of the Model 3 Long Range AWD has generated speculation about potential changes in the vehicle's battery chemistry. Some believe that the car may now be equipped with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries produced in China. This theory is supported by the fact that the vehicle qualifies for only half of the $7,500 federal tax credit available for electric cars. LFP batteries are known to be more cost-effective but can result in slightly reduced range and performance.
However, interestingly, the vehicle's weight remains primarily unchanged at 4,034 lbs. We would have expected a weight increase due to the heavier LFP cells, so the battery chemistry in this vehicle is still unconfirmed. The Model 3 Long Range AWD supports Supercharging at up to 250 kW Max, while the Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 is limited to 170 kW Max.
Customers Can Expect Deliveries in June 2023
With the Model 3 Long Range AWD now available for order, customers can expect their vehicles to be delivered in June 2023. However, it is worth noting that the car's design appears to remain consistent with the previous version, with no significant exterior changes. As such, those hoping for the rumored Model 3 "Highland" refresh will need to wait a little longer.
The reopening of orders for the Model 3 Long Range AWD highlights Tesla's commitment to meeting the high demand for its electric vehicles. The car's impressive range and performance, combined with the more affordable pricing possibly due to cheaper LFP batteries, make it an attractive option for environmentally conscious consumers looking for a reliable and stylish electric vehicle.
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After launching puddle lights that spell out ‘Tesla’ in China several months ago, Tesla has finally added the add-on Projection Puddle Lights to the North American store. Before launching them worldwide, Tesla appears to have been using China as a testing ground for its accessories. This is an interesting move, and it's not the first product we’ve seen soft launch in China before a North American and European launch. Tesla did the same with the Caraoke Mic it launched in the U.S. back in July.
Puddle Lights
This pair of puddle lights costs $65 USD or $90 CAD at the Tesla Store right now and is available for the Model Y, as well as all versions of the Model 3. This includes the 2024 Model 3 Highland Refresh, as well as older Model 3s built before 2024. Currently, these are not available for the Model X and Model S.
The lights themselves present a high-definition Tesla wordmark – text only, no logo – of Tesla onto the ground whenever the driver and front passenger doors are opened. While these would technically be compatible with the rear two doors as well, Tesla doesn’t state this.
Third-party options that include the rear two doors often mention that they suffer from reduced brightness as the wiring harness in the rear door doesn’t bring as much power to the rear door puddle lights.
Installation is done by the customer, and isn’t covered by Tesla – but they do offer a page on their DIY service manual on how to get them installed. Installation is straightforward, but you'll need a blunt plastic tool to remove them from the door and to detach the power adapter from the original puddle lights.
We recently discussed a bunch of features that the Tesla Android App is missing in comparison to the Tesla iOS App, but we didn’t look at the other side.
If you’ve got an NFC-capable Android phone and a Tesla, you actually have a feature that’s not available on iPhones. You can tap your phone on Tesla’s NFC card reader to unlock or lock your car, just like you can with your keycard. Tap to Unlock is enabled by default on Android and cannot be turned off on NFC-capable phones unless you disable NFC in your system settings.
Tap to Unlock
Android provides Tesla with access to the API necessary for Tap to Unlock to function over Near-Field Communications (NFC). This means that the Tesla app can serve as a backup keycard if, for some reason, your Phone-as-a-Key (PAAK) doesn’t immediately unlock the car upon waking it.
You’ll need to be a bit precise with this, as most phones have a small NFC location near the center on the back of the phone. You’ll also want to place it slightly under the B-pillar camera, where the car’s NFC reader is.
When you’re successful, the car will honk twice and unlock. Of note, this will not load your pre-set profiles as if you’re unlocking using your phone key, as the car treats this as a unique key. You will not be able to set up Tap to Unlock to load a particular profile – it seems to load a “default” profile every time. This also means that if you’ve got your mirrors set to unfold or your seats to move back, this will also not happen.
However, once you hop in, you can select your profile and everything will adjust to you. Your phone will continue to work as a phone key to keep you authenticated so that you can start your car.
Unlock Car Even If Phone Battery is Drained
This feature serves as a convenient way to get your car open and unlocked if your phone won’t power on or if the car doesn’t recognize your phone key, which can sometimes happen. On newer Android phones, NFC remains on even if your phone battery has run out since NFC uses so little power.
If you disable Bluetooth on your phone or your phone battery is on empty, your phone key won’t work, so you’ll need to authenticate again inside the vehicle to start the car. You can place your phone on either the Wireless Charger (for newer vehicles) or in the NFC slot between the cup holders and the center armrest to authenticate.
Other NFC Devices
For those more adventurous, you can also use other NFC-capable devices as Tesla keycards. Personally, the author uses an NFC-capable ring, as well as a third-party app on an Android Watch as backups. They serve solely as backups in the case of a lost phone rather than my primary keys.
