Tesla Officially Announces the Refreshed Model 3 'Highland' With Ambient Lighting, Rear Screen and Ventilated Seats [Photos/Video]

September 1, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

Tesla officially announced the refreshed Model 3

Tesla

Tesla's very public secret, codenamed Highland, is now in showrooms in China. The company finally publicly revealed the product, as predicted for the beginning of September, and thanks to months of leaks, there weren't a lot of surprises. We’ve been reporting on leaks since the end of 2022, and it turns out our sources were accurate.

Tesla has again made a publicity splash without spending a dime on traditional advertising. Instead, the company gave some automotive YouTubers an early peak at the Model 3. As soon as the embargo was lifted, YouTube channels were filled with views — money in the content creators’ pocket and publicity for Tesla.

Ambient Lighting

Multicolor ambient LED interior lighting extends from the dash to the rear seats. If that’s not cool enough, this color appears to be adjustable to any shade you like, similar to how you can change the color of your Tesla on the screen and in the app. More than half of the refreshed Model 3 is made with new parts. It is also coming in two new colors in China, Ultra Red and Stealth Gray.

Range

The range has increased by 11 to 12 percent, which equates to the rear-wheel drive getting 346 miles (554 kilometers), and the dual motor long-range 423 miles (678 kilometres). This is thanks to several things, including the lighter Model 3, now the most aerodynamic Tesla in the lineup at a stunning 0.219 drag coefficient down from 0.225.

Suspension & Road Noise

Tesla officially announced the refreshed Model 3

Tesla

The upgraded suspension provides a more premium ride with new springs & dampers, new geometry on the front suspension, new bushings, and a new way they mount the subframe to the chassis. Moreover, the tires now have more cushioning for an improved ride.

Tesla has made a 30% decrease in wind and ambient noise, a 25% improvement in impact noise, and a 20% improvement in road noise. This has been achieved by using acoustic glass on the rear windows and back window (it was only on the front windows before), resulting in "360º acoustic glass". Additionally, more sound insulation has been added for a quieter ride.

Even Better Interior

However, you won’t be able to hear the quiet thanks to the new 17-speaker sound system, up from 14 speakers — complete with two subwoofers and two amplifiers.

We knew the interior was getting an overhaul, but we didn’t know about the upgraded ventilation system, allowing the passage side to be turned off and gain separate fan speeds. There are also two microphones for clearers calls and improved Wi-Fi connectivity. There is also an updated center console with real metal handles and a 65W USB-C charger that provides enough power to charge almost any USB-C device, includingarge a laptop. The center touchscreen has smaller bezels, higher contrast, and better responsiveness. Speaking of screens, there is an 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers, just like the Model S and Model X.

Tesla officially announced the refreshed Model 3

Tesla

Front Bumper Camera

Tesla officially announced the refreshed Model 3

Tesla

The rumored front camera did not appear in any of the YouTube videos. As previously reported, the new Model 3 is still believed to have a front camera, just like the Cybertruck, and did appear with it in several photos. The front camera will eliminate that very real blind spot just in front of the bumper that the cameras in the windshield can’t see.

Details We Already Knew

Tesla officially announced the refreshed Model 3

Tesla

Now for a refresher about the Model 3 refresh. We’ve been talking about this vehicle since December of 2022, as the partially covered cars started popping up around California. Along the way we learned a lot, but we know that not all of you read about Tesla every day (shame, shame!). So here is a list with links to previous articles that discuss the features.

Model 3 Refresh Up Close and Personal

Pricing

Tesla has been slashing the prices of the current Model 3, but the Highland is getting a price bump. With the cars already on the showroom floors in China, the RWD is 259,900 yuan, $35,800 USD, while the long-range is 295,900 yuan, $40,800 USD. Those prices are about a 10 percent increase — still, no word when the new Model 3 will be available in North America.

The Tesla Model 3 Highland is more than just a refresh; it's a complete overhaul that addresses several aspects of the vehicle, from aesthetics to performance and comfort. Introducing new colors, a more aerodynamic design, an enhanced sound system, and improved noise insulation are just a few of the many upgrades that make this Model 3 iteration stand out. Although there was a slight bump in the price, the host of improvements and added features justify the increase, offering more value to the customers. Time for an upgrade?

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Tesla Now Lets You Pick the Battery Supplier in the Model 3 and Model Y Long Range Models

June 26, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Tesla has begun providing different Model 3 and Model Y Long Range variants for its customers – dividing the two variants between those who are eligible for the $7,500 Federal EV Tax Credit, and those who are not eligible.

Eligible vs Non-Eligible Customers

Tesla is making two versions of their Long Range models of the Model 3 and Model Y available to customers in the U.S. One of them qualifies for the tax rebate, and the other doesn’t. However, there are some underlying differences between the two models customers should know.

Customers who claim they are eligible for the tax credit will be provided a VIN for a vehicle that qualifies for the EV Tax Credit. Vehicles that qualify for the Tax Credit have their battery and its cells manufactured in North America.

Customers who aren’t eligible or don’t opt to use the tax credit will get a VIN that doesn’t qualify for the federal credit. Customers who aren’t eligible for the federal rebate may still be eligible for local or state rebates, and these cars should be eligible for those specific rebates.

Panasonic vs LG Batteries

So what’s the difference between the two variants? It essentially comes down to the batteries and where they’re produced. The Model 3 and Model Y cars that are eligible for the tax credit will contain Panasonic batteries, which are produced in the U.S., while the cars not eligible for the rebate will include LG batteries.

They’re both non-LFP, 2170 cells, and while there isn’t a huge difference on the surface between the battery cells since they offer similar “regular” charging speeds and range, one does tend to be a little better. The LG batteries have been known to not charge as fast at level 3 chargers – which include Superchargers.

We recommend getting the vehicle that qualifies for the rebate that includes Panasonic batteries, even if you’re not planning to take advantage of the federal rebate. Besides getting a better battery, it leaves you open to receiving the tax rebate if circumstances change later in the year. It’s possible Tesla may offer a discount on the LG battery-powered model in the future, but at this time with them being the same cost, the Panasonic version makes more sense.

The Performance variant of the Model 3 and Model Y also comes with the Panasonic batteries. The LFP pack in the Rear-Wheel Drive variants of either vehicle also charge faster than the LG batteries.

The video below shows some of the speed differences between the battery packs.

How to View Cars

To view the vehicles with their specific battery packs, you’ll need to use Tesla’s inventory system. Simply go to the Inventory section of Tesla’s site, and then enable (Panasonic batteries) or disable (LG batteries) the Tax Credit Eligible Vehicles toggle on Tesla’s site.

Tesla Issues Two Physical Recalls for the Cybertruck

June 26, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Tesla has issued two voluntary recalls for the Cybertruck, both requiring physical servicing.

Wiper Motor Recall

The first recall is concerning the wiper motor, which has a build defect. Approximately 2% of delivered trucks (11,688 vehicles) have a malfunctioning gate driver component and will require a replacement. The full assembly will be replaced.

We’re expecting this replacement to be fixable by a Mobile Service Technician, as the refit of the motor assembly should be doable by just one individual, as per the Cybertruck Service Manual.

The NHTSA recall can be viewed here.

Sail Trim Recall

The Cybertruck’s unique sails (the triangular panel that connects the top of the truck to the back of the truck bed) have some uniquely attached trim pieces – and some of them are reportedly failing. Tesla has issued a recall for these sail trim pieces as well, which can become detached at speed due to wind catching the front edge of the trim piece, and lifting it away.

Tesla will replace or rework the cosmetic trim piece along the exterior of the sails, to ensure sufficient adhesion. This will include the application of a new adhesion promotor and pressure-sensitive tape.

We’re expecting this replacement to also be fixable by a Mobile Service Technician, as some Cybertruck owners on X have previously had the same issue fixed by mobile service.

This NHTSA recall can be viewed here.