Tesla unveils revamped Model 3 with heat pump and extended range and makes Model Y, Model S and Model X even more autonomous

Last month, there were first reports that Tesla was preparing a major update to its most popular car, the Model 3. And on October 16, Tesla updated the online electric vehicle configurator for the US market, officially unveiling an updated version of the 2021 Model 3.

As you know, Tesla does not update its cars in the classic way, preferring a different approach with periodic hardware improvements to the design and expansion of functionality through firmware updates over the air. By and large, outwardly, the novelty looks like the pre-reform Model 3, which entered the market three years ago.

The main improvements are the heat pump and the increased power reserve. The Long Range Dual Motor version has received an increase of 30 miles and is now able to travel on a single battery charge up to 568 km (according to the American EPA measuring cycle). The rest of the Model 3 versions also received an increased power reserve:

• Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus – 423 km instead of the previous 402 km.
• Tesla Model 3 Performance – 507 km instead of 481 km.

Also, the updated Model 3 stands out for improved acceleration dynamics – all versions now accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 km / h) faster. The most noticeable increase was received by the Model 3 Performance, which now accelerates to 96 km / h 100 milliseconds faster – in 3.1 seconds.

And although in general, the updated Tesla Model 3 does not differ much from the original model, the manufacturer still made several changes.

Other changes for the 2021 Model 3:

• a new center console with matt finish and chrome trim, divided into two sections;
• the steering wheel has received a new metal finish and got a heating;
• electric tailgate;
• new double glazing;
• new low beam headlights and taillights;
• new wheels, up to 20-inch Überturbine;
• removed chrome like Model Y;
• the auto-dimming mirror is back;

According to Electrek, production of the new Model 3s started at Tesla’s main factory in Fremont a couple of weeks ago, but the first batches were intended for international markets, and only recently Tesla began producing new models for the North American market.

Simultaneously with the release of the next firmware update (2020.40.7), Tesla increased the range of its other cars – Model Y, Model S and Model X. It was possible to achieve greater autonomy without increasing battery capacity, but thanks to transmission improvements and other related optimizations.

Tesla Model Y in Long Range Dual Motor and Performance versions now boast a range of 523 and 488 km, respectively. For comparison, previously the figures were 508 and 468 km, respectively.

As for the Tesla Model X, the range for the Long Range Dual Motor trim is now 597 km instead of the previous 565 km, and for the Performance trim is 549 km instead of 491 km.

Also, the Model S Performance received a noticeable increase in the range, which now travels on a single charge not 560 km, but 623 km.

Source: Tesla and Electrek