Tesla, the pioneering electric vehicle manufacturer, has once again made waves in the industry by introducing a new variant of its popular Model 3 sedan, Tesla Model 3 Long Range.
The latest addition to the Model 3 lineup is the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model, which boasts an impressive range of 363 miles on a single charge.
This new offering from Tesla promises to cater to the needs of eco-conscious consumers who are seeking a balance between affordability and performance.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the details of the new Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD, exploring its features, pricing, and potential impact on the electric vehicle market.
Tesla has priced the new Model 3 Long Range RWD at $42,490, which may seem like a significant investment. However, the real game-changer is the availability of the $7,500 federal tax credit for this model.
When the tax credit is applied, the effective price of the Model 3 Long Range RWD drops to an astonishing $34,990, making it the cheapest Tesla available. To put this into perspective, the base Model 3 RWD, which has a range of 272 miles, costs $38,990 and is not eligible for the federal tax credit.
The addition of the Long Range RWD model to Tesla’s lineup fills a crucial gap in the market. With its extended range of 363 miles, it offers a significant improvement over the base Model 3 RWD, yet it remains more affordable than the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Long Range variant, which starts at $47,490.
This means that Tesla is now offering a Model 3 option that caters to a wider range of consumers, making electric vehicles more accessible to a larger segment of the market.
The new Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD is not just about the impressive range and affordability. Tesla has also introduced several enhancements to this model, making it an even more appealing option for prospective buyers.
For starters, the Long Range RWD variant boasts a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.9 seconds, which is a significant improvement over the 5.8 seconds of the base Model 3 RWD. Additionally, the top speed has been increased to 125 mph, compared to the 120 mph of the standard RWD model.
Furthermore, just like the 2024 Kia EV9, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range comes equipped with additional features, such as ventilated front seats, a 17-speaker audio system, and a new eight-inch rear display.
These upgrades not only enhance the overall driving experience but also make the car feel more premium and well-equipped, even at its relatively lower price point. By reintroducing the Long Range RWD model, Tesla is effectively addressing the concerns of those who were looking for a more affordable Tesla with a robust range and performance.
One of the most notable aspects of the new Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD is its impressive range of 363 miles. This is a significant increase over the 272 miles offered by the standard Model 3 RWD, representing a difference of 91 miles.
This enhanced range can be a game-changer for many consumers who are considering an electric vehicle, as it addresses one of the primary concerns – range anxiety. The additional 91 miles of range can provide greater peace of mind for drivers, allowing them to travel longer distances without the need for frequent charging stops.
This is particularly beneficial for those who regularly commute long distances or take occasional road trips. Furthermore, the Long Range RWD model’s range is also superior to the 341 miles offered by the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Long Range variant, making it an even more attractive option for those who prioritize range over the added performance of the AWD model.
The introduction of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD has created a unique opportunity for consumers, as it has become the company’s most affordable electric vehicle offering. This is largely due to the availability of the $7,500 federal tax credit, which effectively reduces the price of the Long Range RWD model to just $34,990.
Compared to the base Model 3 RWD, which costs $38,990 and is ineligible for the federal tax credit, the Long Range RWD version becomes the most cost-effective Tesla on the market. This is a significant development, as it allows more consumers to access the brand’s electric vehicle technology at a price point that is more in line with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
With the added benefit of a longer range and improved performance, the Model 3 Long Range RWD becomes an increasingly compelling option for those seeking a high-quality, eco-friendly transportation solution.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD not only offers impressive features within the Tesla lineup but also stands out against its competitors in the electric vehicle market. With a range of 363 miles, it surpasses the range of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Long Range variant, which offers up to 361 miles of range.
Moreover, when the $7,500 federal tax credit is applied, the effective price of the Model 3 Long Range RWD drops to $34,990, making it a more affordable option compared to the Ioniq 6 Long Range, which starts at $43,600.
This pricing advantage, combined with the Model 3’s renowned performance and Tesla’s extensive charging network, makes the new Long Range RWD variant a formidable contender in the increasingly crowded electric sedan market.
Automakers like BMW and Polestar also offer electric sedans, but their higher starting prices put them at a disadvantage against the Model 3 Long Range RWD, especially for consumers who qualify for the federal tax credit.
This strategic move by Tesla to reintroduce the Tesla Model 3 Long Range model suggests that the company is actively working to maintain its competitive edge and cater to a wider range of consumers seeking a high-quality, cost-effective electric vehicle.
The new Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD not only offers an impressive driving range of 363 miles but also delivers enhanced performance compared to the base Model 3 RWD. With a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.9 seconds, the Long Range RWD model is nearly a full second quicker than the standard RWD variant’s 5.8-second sprint.
This improved acceleration is a result of the larger battery pack and more powerful electric motor in the Long Range RWD model. The increased power output not only translates to quicker acceleration but also allows the car to reach a top speed of 125 mph, 5 mph faster than the base RWD version.
These performance upgrades make the Tesla Model 3 Long Range an even more compelling option for those who desire a balance of range and driving dynamics.
The reintroduction of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD at a lower price point is a direct reflection of the declining costs in the electric vehicle battery market. According to recent reports, the price for lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells in China has dropped by over 51% in the past year, reaching $53 per kWh.
This significant price reduction in battery costs has enabled Tesla to offer the Long Range RWD model at a more affordable price, while still maintaining its impressive range and performance. The company’s ability to leverage these cost savings is a testament to its vertical integration and manufacturing prowess, allowing it to pass on the benefits to consumers.
As Western nations work to match China’s battery production capabilities, the global EV market is likely to experience increased overcapacity, further driving down prices and making electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
This trend bodes well for the adoption of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD, as it becomes an even more attractive option for those seeking a high-quality, long-range electric sedan at a competitive price point.
In addition to the impressive range and performance upgrades, the new Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD also benefits from several interior enhancements that elevate the overall driving experience. One of the notable additions is the inclusion of ventilated front seats, which provide improved comfort and temperature control, especially in hotter climates.
Furthermore, the car is now equipped with a 17-speaker audio system, delivering a more immersive and high-quality sound experience for occupants. This audio system upgrade is a significant improvement over the standard 8-speaker setup found in the base Model 3 RWD.
Lastly, the Long Range RWD model features a new, larger 8-inch rear display, providing passengers in the backseat with their own dedicated entertainment and control interface. These interior enhancements demonstrate Tesla’s commitment to continuously improving the quality and features of its vehicles, making the Long Range RWD an even more attractive proposition for consumers.
The reintroduction of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD is a strategic move by the company to address the recent sales decline it has experienced and to better compete with its rivals in the electric vehicle market.
According to industry data, Tesla’s sales in the United States dropped by 31% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including increased competition from other automakers, supply chain challenges, and economic uncertainty.
By offering the Tesla Model 3 Long Range model with its enhanced features, improved performance, and competitive pricing, Tesla is aiming to regain its market share and appeal to a wider range of consumers.
The $7,500 federal tax credit, which effectively lowers the price of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range to $34,990, makes it the most affordable Tesla on the market, positioning it as a more attractive option against rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and BMW i4. This strategic move by Tesla demonstrates the company’s agility and ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
By leveraging its technological prowess and manufacturing expertise, Tesla is effectively addressing the key concerns of consumers, such as range anxiety and affordability, in order to maintain its position as a leader in the electric vehicle revolution.