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.
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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In a stunning achievement, Hansjörg von Gemmingen’s Model S has reached a jaw-dropping 2 million kilometers (1.25 million miles) of distance traveled. He hit this milestone during a cross-country trip from northern Morocco to Mauritania.
This is a remarkable achievement, and we’ll take a deep dive into Hansjörg’s story and experience with having such a long-lived Tesla.
The 2 Millionth Kilometer
Hansjörg’s journey began in the northern Moroccan city of Tangier. Nestled on the coast of the Mediterranean, Tangier is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture, scenic ocean views, and modern infrastructure, including an international airport and a thriving business district. As a seasoned traveler and EV enthusiast, Hansjörg has been all across Morocco, embracing its diverse landscapes and challenging terrains.
Rallye Rive Maroc
His adventures included participating in the Rallye Rive Maroc, a grueling 7-day electric vehicle rally. This event is designed to push both drivers and their vehicles to the limit, with participants covering approximately 300 kilometers a day on three of the seven days. The rally navigates through harsh deserts, rugged mountains, and remote locations, presenting a formidable challenge that tests the vehicles' endurance, skill, and durability. The routes are not only demanding but also showcase the breathtaking beauty of Morocco's natural landscapes.
Rallye Rive Maroc's participants in 2023.
Not a Tesla App
In his latest endeavor, Hansjörg set out from Tangier with the ambitious goal of reaching the 2-million-kilometer mark. His route took him across Morocco, heading towards the southern border with Mauritania. This milestone journey was more than just a personal achievement; it represented a significant moment for Tesla owners worldwide, demonstrating the potential and reliability of electric vehicles over extensive distances and diverse conditions.
Reaching the 2-million-kilometer milestone during this trip highlighted the endurance of his 2013 Tesla Model S, a testament to both Tesla’s amazing engineering and Hansjörg's dedication to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle travel. His journey serves as an inspiring example for EV enthusiasts and a beacon of what is possible with determination, innovation, and the right infrastructure.
Battery Life
Of course, electric vehicle batteries do inevitably degrade, and Tesla is no exception. However, they’ve proven their longevity – with reports showing only 15% degradation at 350,000km (200,000 mi). Hansjörg drives a 2013 Tesla Model S 85+, with a single motor. He’s seen several battery replacements throughout the vehicle’s lifespan, but the vehicle is still going strong. Keep in mind Tesla had only begun producing the Model S in 2012. It was Tesla’s first vehicle that was designed and created in-house.
1. Hansjörg replaced the first battery at 290,000 km (180k miles)
2. The second battery lasted 670,000 km (416k miles), before being replaced due to cell in-balance – it had suffered only a 20% loss of range
3. The third battery lasted for 550,000 km (341k miles)
4. The vehicle is currently on its fourth battery, which has already clocked 250,000 km (155k miles), but remains going strong
There is a 150,000 km gap above, which was due to the vehicle using a temporary loaner battery offered by Tesla while the vehicle’s battery was repaired.
These are some amazing numbers to see – real-life battery degradation under high-stress conditions, over a decade. Tesla, vehicle owners, and future customers couldn’t ask for a better data set in this case.
The two million kilometer Model S, in all its glory.
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Charging in Morocco and Africa
Ali Lakrakbi, who brought this amazing feat to our attention, operates a network of EV charges in Morocco. He’s been working on opening an electric road – one lined with EV charging stations – from Morocco to the rest of Africa. This is an amazing initiative and one that is bound to help Africa replace its mobility access with EVs. Promoting EV adoption is difficult enough in North America, Europe, and Asia, but doing so in Africa is leagues harder, and a feat worthy of admiration.
Currently, Ali's network includes a significant number of slower AC (Level 1) chargers, which provide essential charging options for travelers. These chargers are crucial for establishing the foundational infrastructure needed to support the initial wave of EV users in regions where such facilities are scarce.
However, Ali does recognize the need for faster and more efficient charging solutions, and he is actively working to increase the availability of faster DC (Level 2 and Level 3) chargers. These high-speed chargers (such as Superchargers) can significantly reduce charging times, making long-distance travel more practical and appealing for EV owners.
The development of this electric road is more than just a technical achievement; it represents a vision for a connected and accessible Africa. By facilitating easier and quicker EV charging, Ali's project aims to encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles, thus reducing the continent's reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, this network of chargers can stimulate economic growth by creating new business opportunities and fostering a green technology sector.
Ali hopes to one day see Superchargers like these in Morocco.
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Some African Challenges
Ali has faced some challenges in establishing his network in Morocco and Africa, given the lack of EV adoption there. People have made fun of EV owners – who have not had much success before Ali in deploying chargers, even free of charge – to locations. However, Ali has incentivized the process by demonstrating the benefits – which in part helps bring in travelers who will spend money locally.
Even getting basic chargers installed in cities can be difficult – much less the high-power capabilities needed for something like an L3 Supercharger. An L2 charger in Morocco can cost as much as an L3 in Europe or North America, but the charging network is beginning to spread. One positive note is that the weather is milder – no deep winters – this means that vehicles have better range even without preconditioning.
Another challenge is the lack of subsidies in Africa. Europe and North America have plenty of subsidies. Ali identified that vehicles are considered luxury items in Africa – and providing subsidies for EVs is next to impossible considering other challenges faced. However, he mentions tax subsidies may be a good option in Morocco – and Africa in general.
Since adoption is slower In Morocco and Africa, Ali and others have one big advantage – they get to learn from North America’s and Europe’s mistakes. Adoption is smoother – their chargers and vehicles use a single standard, and they don’t have challenges with RFID cards or other government regulations.
The shortest point between Morocco and Spain is just 9 miles
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It is also possible to import Teslas from Europe since Morocco is so close to Spain. Many Moroccans also work in Europe and return, and vice versa. There are plenty of Moroccans who experience EVs in Europe as the growth for EVs grows in the country. Ali finances his charger deployments through the sale of Teslas to Moroccans.
However, Tesla doesn’t send parts to Morocco meaning it requires a chain of third-party companies to send over any parts necessary. It can be difficult since Tesla doesn’t officially support the vehicle in the country. Ali hopes that one day Tesla will support owners in Africa, not only with parts but also with training personnel and navigation data as well.
Tesla has begun to offer the ambient lighting feature as a retrofit for certain Model Y vehicles in China.
The kit, including the installation, should cost ¥1,299, or approximately $180 USD. Tesla will have to conduct the installation in service by Tesla technicians. In order for the ambient lighting features to show up in the vehicle’s software, Tesla enables a flag in the vehicle’s firmware.
Ambient Lighting and Dash
This ambient lighting kit, like the updated Model Y in China, only covers the dash and doesn’t flow into the doors, so it’s a little different than the built-in ambient lighting that’s being offered with the refreshed Model 3 Highland and Cybertruck. It also doesn’t have the distinctive curve in the dash that’s in the updated Model 3. This ambient lighting feature is located much lower – at the lower edge of the dash, rather than the top edge in the new Model 3.
In terms of software, this kit should have all the same software options that the Model 3 and Cybertruck have for ambient lighting, including color options, as well as the upcoming brightness control and Night Mode for ambient lighting.
The dashboard upgrade removes the classic Model Y’s wooden dash trim that’s available elsewhere and replaces it with an updated light-grey fabric trim, similar to what’s available in the Model 3 Highland. However, this configuration with the fabric and ambient lighting is only available in China.
Availability
For now, this kit is only available to Model Y vehicles in China – and only a certain subset of them. Only Model Y vehicles built between January 24, 2022, and October 01, 2023, are eligible for the retrofit.
We’re assuming that this may be chalked down to a hardware difference in the electrical harness. Model Y vehicles built in China past October 1st, 2023 all come with Ambient Lighting pre-installed, and this kit is the same upgrade.
We’re not quite sure if this kit will ever make its way out of China – however, many Model Y vehicles in Europe and Canada are built in Giga Shanghai, which means they could also have the same required harness, making them eligible for the update. We’ll wait and see if this retrofit hits other markets in the near future.
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