Key Points
- Tesla is preparing to begin manufacturing the refreshed Highland version of the Model 3 sedan at its factory in Shanghai, China.
- The new car is rumoured to have a more impressive design, with tail lights similar to Porsche Macan, and an overall feel similar to Model S.
- It is also rumoured that Tesla will equip the new edition of its Model 3 produced in China with lithium-manganese-iron-phosphate battery cells supplied by CATL. This should increase the range of the base model from the current 491 kilometres (WLTP) to 556 kilometres.
- Three Tesla owners in California have sued Tesla, claiming that it lied about the range owners could expect from their cars.
- The lawsuit alleges Tesla breached vehicle warranties and engaged in fraud and unfair competition.
- The EPA publishes range estimates based on some very careful calculations, so it is unclear if Tesla actually bamboozled the EPA. However, range estimates are seldom accurate, so it is possible that Tesla’s range estimates were simply optimistic.
- Ultimately, it will be up to a jury to decide if Tesla lied about the range of its cars.
Model 3
Tesla is planning to stop the production of the current version of the Model 3 sedan at its factory in Shanghai, China, on August 14. This is to prepare for the manufacturing of the refreshed version of the Model 3, known internally as the Highland Project. The refreshed Model 3 is expected to have design changes to the front and rear, possibly with tail lights similar to Porsche Macan, and an overall feel similar to the Model S.
There are rumours that the new edition of the Model 3 produced in China will be equipped with lithium-manganese-iron-phosphate battery cells supplied by CATL, which could increase the range of the base model from the current 491 kilometres (WLTP) to 556 kilometres. However, the charging performance of these cells might be slightly poorer compared to the current battery cells used in the Model 3.
Tesla has reportedly been working to simplify the production process for the Model 3, which could reduce manufacturing costs, potentially leading to lower prices for consumers or higher profit margins for the company.
Lawsuit
As for the lawsuit mentioned in the article, three Tesla owners in California are suing the company, claiming that Tesla lied about the range their cars could achieve.
The lawsuit alleges that Tesla breached vehicle warranties and engaged in fraud and unfair competition by providing optimistic range estimates. However, it’s important to note that range estimates for electric vehicles are often approximations and can be influenced by various factors, such as driving conditions and usage patterns.
It’s worth mentioning that some details mentioned in the article are based on rumours and social media posts, and official confirmation from Tesla is needed to confirm the exact details of the refreshed Model 3, including any changes in battery technology or other upgrades.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it will be up to a jury to decide if Tesla lied about the range of its cars.
