China EVs: Tesla launches revamped Model 3 with longer driving range, bigger sticker price as competition bites

The new basic edition of the Model 3 is priced at 259,900 yuan (US$35,783) and can go as far as 606km on a single charge

Sales of Tesla cars in China fell 58 per cent month on month in July to 31,423 units, according to the China Passenger Car Association

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Tesla’s revamped Model 3 has a longer driving range and a heftier price tag. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 1:36pm, 1 Sep 2023Updated: 1:43pm, 1 Sep 2023

Tesla started taking orders on Friday for an upgraded Model 3 in China amid escalating competition in the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market.

The US carmaker announced on the microblogging site Weibo that the new basic edition of the Model 3 will have a longer driving range and will be 12 per cent more expensive. The model is priced at 259,900 yuan (US$35,783), compared with 231,900 yuan for the previous entry-level edition.

The revamped version can go as far as 606km on a single charge, 9 per cent longer than the old version’s 556km. The refreshed model has an upgraded suspension system and comes with a screen for rear passengers.

The long-range edition of the new Model 3, which can go 713km on a single charge, is selling for 295,900 yuan, compared with the earlier higher version that sold for 331,900 yuan and had a driving range of 675km.

The revamped version of the Model 3 can go as far as 606km on a single charge, 9 per cent longer than the old version’s 556km. Photo: Handout

Tesla faces a stern challenge from Chinese rivals like Li Auto, Nio and Xpeng in mainland China, whose vehicles have more intelligent features than the Model 3 and Model Y in terms of autonomous driving technology, in-car entertainment systems and battery performance, but are also more expensive.

A Shanghai-based Tesla sales manager said deliveries of the the revamped Model 3 will begin in the fourth quarter.

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China EVs: Tesla launches revamped Model 3 with longer driving range, bigger sticker price as competition bites

The new basic edition of the Model 3 is priced at 259,900 yuan (US$35,783) and can go as far as 606km on a single charge Sales of Tesla cars in China fell 58 per cent month on month in July to 31,423 units, according to the China Passenger Car Association

The new basic edition of the Model 3 is priced at 259,900 yuan (US$35,783) and can go as far as 606km on a single charge

Sales of Tesla cars in China fell 58 per cent month on month in July to 31,423 units, according to the China Passenger Car Association