Refreshed Tesla Model 3 Long Range In US Might Come With Chinese-Built LFP Pack

Joseph Henry, Tech Times 03 May 2023, 12:05 pm

Tesla has opened the Model 3 Long Range orders for US-based buyers several months after it was announced to be unavailable for launch.

The refreshed model is said to have a Chinese-built battery which was previously used in Model 3 Standard Range: the Lithium-iron-phosphate or LiFePO4/LFP battery cells.

Tesla Model 3 Long Range With LFP Battery

Refreshed Tesla Model 3 Long Range In the US Might Come With Chinese-Built LFP Pack

(Photo: Charlie Deets from Unsplash)
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range which was previously dubbed to be "available in 2023," is now launched after it became unavailable in August 2022.

According to a report by Teslarati, the revamped Model 3 Long Range is now available on Tesla's website for $47,420.

In 2022, it was ruled out to be unavailable on the Design Studio as CEO Elon Musk cited that the waitlist for the product has consumed a lot of time.

As the American automaker hinted a few months ago that it wouldn't be coming anytime soon, it's surprising to see that it's officially launching in 2023.

One notable change for the Tesla Model 3 Long Range is the different listing. The former version only boasts 358 miles, but the carmaker noted that the refreshed model would have 325+ miles of range.

Another thing that is worth mentioning in the report is the use of the cheaper LFP battery. Having said that, the new model will feature less range and less energy, given that the China-made cell uses "less energy-dense technology."

As per Electrek's recent report, the Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive qualifies only for $3,750 of the $7,500 EFV tax credit.

The reason why it's only receiving such an amount is because of the Inflation Reduction Act in the US. According to the law, it is required that a car should undergo assembly in North America.

In doing so, it should also source 40% of the minerals from the free-trade nations. The remaining 50% should be made in the continent. For now, the percentage will remain at this level, but it is expected to rise next year.

Since the LPF battery supplier is CATL which is from China, the Model 3 Standard Range is only qualified for half of the credit.

LFP Isn't For Driving During Cold Weather

LFP batteries are an interesting part of the configuration for the Long Range 3 model, given that they suffer from less degradation. It goes to show that they provide longer battery life, but they are not the ideal type of cells for driving in cold conditions.

If you're wondering what particular Tesla car is ideal for such an environment, the answer is Performance Model 3.

Polestar 2 Surpasses Tesla Model 3 in Germany's Top EVs of 2022

According to Inside EVs, the Polestar 2 managed to beat Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y as the best electric car in 2022.

The Swedish-designed automobile is the frontrunner in the list, followed by the Polestar 2 Single-Motor, Dacia Spring, Skoda Enyaq iV, Renault Twingo Electric, Tesla Model 3 Long Range, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance, Tesla Model Y Long Range, and lastly the Mini Cooper SE at the 10th spot.