Anticipated Range Boost Coming With Tesla Model 3 Project Highland

Tesla's base Model 3 is expected to get a boost in range

Tesla

Rumors are circulating that Tesla is planning to rev up the base battery of its Model 3. Reports from China hint at an upgrade from a 60 kWh to a 66 kWh battery pack, promising a 10% boost to the EV's driving range. The speculated move is tied to Tesla's ambitious Project Highland, expected to introduce an array of improvements to the Model 3's design and performance.

Model 3's Battery Upgrade: More than Just a Power Boost

The upgraded battery is reportedly the result of a collaboration with CATL, utilizing their M3P lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs. While this technology promises greater energy storage, it also aligns with Tesla's ongoing commitment to production efficiencies and cost reduction.

In the Model 3's early stages, its base variant, the Rear-Wheel Drive, had a 55kWh battery, which Tesla later bumped up to 60kWh. This new upgrade would add another 6kWh, potentially giving drivers an extra 30 miles (50km) of driving range.

But the benefits of this battery upgrade don't stop at distance. The M3P battery packs are also cheaper, hinting at an upcoming reduction in the Model 3's production costs. This move could mean more competitively priced Tesla cars on the market, boosting their appeal to a wider demographic of eco-conscious drivers.

Impact on Tesla's Market Position

The battery upgrade comes at a critical time. Despite the Model 3's substantial sales numbers, Tesla faced a slight slump in sales in China last year. However, this upgrade, alongside other anticipated changes under Project Highland, could give the Model 3 the much-needed revitalization to rebound and continue to dominate the EV market.

Tesla's consistent pattern of upgrading batteries with every model redesign has been a key driver of its competitive advantage in the electric vehicle market. By introducing higher capacity batteries in Model 3, the company continues to push the boundaries of EV technology and solidify its market position.

The revamped Model 3, equipped with the new 66kWh battery, could set a new standard for range in electric vehicles. Although Tesla has not officially announced any of the changes associated with Project Highland, sightings of test vehicles and reports from insiders fuel anticipation for the Model 3's imminent overhaul. Enhanced drone restrictions at Giga Shanghai suggest that the company might be testing the vehicles on factory grounds.

If these rumors hold, the upgraded Model 3 will offer a greater driving range and reaffirm Tesla's position as the trendsetter in the EV market. All eyes will undoubtedly remain on Tesla as it continues to drive the future of electric vehicles.

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Tesla FSD V13.2.2 Arrives With Holiday Update Features; Rolling out to HW4 Models

Not a Tesla App

FSD users can now join in the Holiday revelry, as FSDS V13.2.2 has started rolling out to customers, and it includes all the 2024 Telsa Holiday Update features.

Tesla’s VP of AI - Ashok Elluswamy, previously mentioned that the Holiday Update would be making its way to FSD users sometime this week. Ashok’s timelines have been right on point. All models with AI4/HW4 vehicles in North America are starting to receive the updated FSD release alongside all the features of the Holiday update.

This new build is update 2024.45.25.5, which should make its way throughout the fleet over the week.

Holiday Highlights

The Holiday update has a ton of new features in it, including new app features like Apple Watch support, the Dashcam and Sentry Mode Viewer and the ability to start Light Shows.

We also received rear cross-traffic alerts, while navigation received Search Along Route, Arrival Energy at Destination and Weather at Destination, and Precipitation Maps.

On the entertainment side, the Holiday Update brings the SiriusXM streaming app to the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck, as well as an updated TuneIn player. Of course, there are new Cybertruck-specific features such as custom Cybertruck Wraps (don’t worry it’s coming to all models), a new Cyber Santa Mode, and Santa and Rainbow Road ambient lighting support.

Video of FSD V13.2.2

Here is our first look at FSD V13.2.2. While the release notes don’t point out any new features for FSD, it’s expected to include several unknown fixes and improvements.

Here is highlight clip #1 from my FSD Supervised v13.2.2 First Impressions Drive on the AI4 Model Y. This was an amazing example of EGO getting itself out of a bad situation very quickly. Bravo @Tesla_AI pic.twitter.com/gogzNswiTq

— Chuck Cook (@chazman) December 21, 2024

Already on the Holiday Update?

If you’re already on Tesla’s Holiday update, version 2024.44.25.2, and you have a HW4 vehicle, then this version now qualifies you to receive FSD V13.2. We expect all HW4 vehicles with FSD to migrate to this version in the coming week or two.

If you have HW3, then look out for a future update, including FSD v12.6.

FSD V12.6 for HW3 Soon

For Hardware 3 owners, FSD V12.6 is also right around the corner - it should be launching no later than the end of the year, according to Ashok. We’re expecting the new tech stack for highway driving, the updated speed profiles, including Hurry Mode, as well as improvements from V12.5.6 to land for HW3 soon.

If you’re excited about that, go read our in-depth look at V12.5.6 to see a preview of what you’ll be getting in V12.6.

We’re looking forward to seeing the demo drives of V13.2.2 from some of our usual influencers, but the good news is the update has already started rolling out to the general public, so expect larger waves soon.

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Tesla Referral Code - Get Up to $2,000 Off a New Tesla

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If you’re planning to buy a new Tesla, consider using our referral code. Not only will you receive up to $2,000 off your vehicle, but you’ll help support our site.

Plus, if you take delivery by December 31st, you’ll also get 3 months of free Supercharging and Full Self-Driving (FSD).

Discount Per Model

• Model Y - $1,000 off

• Model 3 - $1,500 off

• Model S, Model X or Cybertruck - $2,000 off

Free Supercharging and FSD

You must take delivery by December 31st, 2024 to qualify for the three months of FSD and free Supercharging. It’s not clear whether Tesla will offer these benefits starting January 1st.

Referral Codes

All referral codes will give you the same benefits. However, each one is limited to 10 uses, so if one hits the limit, try another one.

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