Tesla is preparing to launch a new variant of its Model 3 sedan in China as early as September, according to a local media report, signaling the return of the model’s longest-range edition amid increasing competition in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
The upcoming Model 3+, a single-motor version, has been filed with Chinese regulators and is expected to be priced at around RMB 270,000 ($37,610), Cailian reported on Sunday. It features a peak motor power of 225 kilowatts, compared with 194 kW in the current single-motor variant.
The vehicle will use ternary lithium-ion batteries supplied by South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, rather than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This combination is likely to enhance overall energy efficiency and extend the vehicle’s range.
“The combination of a single-motor layout and LG’s ternary battery suggests that this model could become Tesla’s longest-range vehicle to date,” the report said. The estimated range could exceed 800 kilometers on China’s CLTC testing cycle.
Currently, the Tesla Model 3 long-range all-wheel-drive version has a CLTC range of 753 kilometers and is priced at RMB 285,500. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive version, which uses LFP batteries from CATL, offers a range of 634 kilometers and starts at RMB 235,500. A high-performance dual-motor version with LG batteries delivers a 623-kilometer range and costs RMB 339,500.
Tesla previously offered a single-motor long-range Model 3 variant in China with a 667-kilometer range, but it was discontinued in early 2020.
The updated Model 3, also known as the Model 3 Highland, went on sale in China in October 2023. Initially available in rear-wheel-drive and long-range all-wheel-drive versions, the lineup was expanded in June 2024 to include a dual-motor performance model.