Tesla Model 3 Highland: it becomes the queen of efficiency on the market

The restyled Tesla Model 3 has managed to improve its autonomy without affecting its mechanics. And it is always taking the lead over its competitors!

Although the Highland project promised the arrival of new batteries, at least on board the Propulsion version with a 66 kWh unit, the electric sedan retains its electrical endowment. However, if the engines have not evolved, Tesla promises more autonomy. In terms of consumption, the Tesla Model 3 is now taking off.

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Before going into more detail, remember that the restyled sedan benefits from cosmetic changes to reduce aerodynamic drag. Thus, with sharper lines and a slightly raised hood, the Model 3 has a Cx of 0.219 against 0.23 previously. Added to this are more sober tires with Michelin e.Primacy (18-inch rims) and Hankook iOn EVO (19-inch rims).

Autonomy up 4.5%

The Tesla Model 3 Propulsion now claims a range approved by the WLTP standard of 513 km with 19-inch rims, and an estimated range (not approved, therefore) of 554 km with 18-inch rims. On the Long Autonomy side, the values ​​are 629 and 678 km respectively, the first being homologated and the second estimated. It should be noted here that the autonomy is in no way up by 12% as can be read here and there on the Web: this is a rough ratio between the estimated value with the 18-inch rims of the new version, against the WLTP value with the 19-inch rims of the previous version.

According to the WLTP standard, which takes into account the losses associated with AC charging without a strict protocol, the entry-level version has a consumption of 13.2 kWh/100 km, while the Long Range climbs to 14 kWh /100km. However, based on batteries with a useful capacity of 57.5 kWh and 75 kWh respectively, the values ​​drop to 11.2 and 11.9 kWh/100 km. According to Tesla’s estimates, the sedan would then drop to 10.4 and 11.1 kWh/100 km with the smallest wheels!

Dacia Spring fuel consumption

In terms of efficiency, the new version of Tesla Model 3 continues to break records, and leaves nothing to its competitors. This is what we noticed when looking closely at the homologated autonomy of other cars on the market, using the same calculation methods (and therefore leaving aside the losses linked to recharging). Also, we have taken into account the maximum approved values, and not the estimates. This means that we are comparing here the autonomy of competitors in their most favorable configuration, against the less sober versions of the Tesla Model 3.

In its iDrive40 version, the BMW i4 can aim for a maximum of 584 km of autonomy with its 81.1 kWh battery. This translates here into a net consumption of 13.9 kWh/100 km. The Hyundai Ioniq 6, which can reach 614 km, admits an appetite of 12.5 kW/100 km with the most favorable 18-inch rims. Finally, the Volkswagen ID.7 announces up to 700 km with its new 86 kWh battery, or 12.3 kWh/100 km.

If these cars are indeed bigger and heavier than the Tesla Model 3, note that city cars are not necessarily better. Certainly lighter, note also that their small size does not allow them to obtain record aerodynamic scores. Thus, we see that only the Dacia Spring and Renault Twingo e-Tech manage to do as well, with respective averages of 11.7 and 11.3 kWh/100 km! In the end, there is only the Citroën Ami, of course as incomparable as the city cars mentioned above, which does better with a value of 7.3 kWh/100 km.

From €42,990 for the Tesla Model 3 Propulsion

With its significant stylistic changes, the restyled Tesla Model 3 therefore keeps a step ahead of the competition in terms of consumption and, it is quite logical with its sufficiently generous batteries, autonomy. This is one of its strengths, which will continue to attract customers around the world. Remember that the new version of the electric sedan is displayed from €42,990 in the Propulsion version and €50,990 in the Long Range version.