In China, Tesla is in discussion with the battery giant CATL to increase the autonomy of the Model 3 Propulsion. On the program: a 10% increase in autonomy. Unless this new battery is intended for the Model Y Propulsion…
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is used to improving the autonomy of its vehicles. Especially with his entry-level Model 3. If between 2019 and 2020, the cheapest Model 3 (Standard Range Plus) had a WLTP range of 409 km, this then increased to 448 km in 2021 then 510 km currently on Propulsion with Aero rims 18 inches. This increase in autonomy was made possible by larger capacity batteries: 50 kWh then 55 kWh and finally 60 kWh. It seems that Tesla is preparing a new increase in autonomy for the coming months.
A new battery for 2023?
According to Chinese media sina, the Tesla factory in Shanghai is preparing the launch of a new Model 3 Propulsion. Or more exactly, the American manufacturer is preparing the integration of a new battery from CATL equipped with LMFP (Lithium-manganese-iron-phosphate) M3P technology, replacing the current LFP (Lithium-iron- phosphate). This new battery would increase the theoretical autonomy of the Model 3 Propulsion by 10%, i.e. 560 km on the European WLTP cycle.
Note that in terms of timing, when announcing the start of production of M3P batteries last July, the Chinese giant CATL had planned mass deliveries for 2023. If this Model 3 Propulsion sees the light of day, it would not be for now.
A battery rather intended for the Model Y Propulsion?
Information to be taken with tweezers since the Chinese site Wall Street News contacted Tesla China who refuted this rumor. It is possible that this new battery is intended for the Model Y Propulsion produced in China (and reserved only for the Asian market for the moment) in order to increase its autonomy. Currently given for 455 km of WLTP autonomy, the hypothetical Model Y Propulsion equipped with this new battery could then exceed 500 km of theoretical autonomy.
Moreover, another rumor announces the imminent arrival of this entry-level Model Y for Europe, thanks to LFP batteries from BYD which would have been received by the Berlin factory of Tesla. Are these different pieces of information related? It only remains to wait for the possible formalization of these models by the American firm.
Elon Musk wants autonomy, but not too much
For the record, Elon Musk refused to market a Model Y with 400 km of autonomy in 2020. But with the evolution of batteries and therefore the increase in autonomy, we can expect to see this Model Y Propulsion land around the world in the coming months, with a price lower than the Long Autonomy version, by several thousand euros. It is already offered in the United States, but only for company employees.
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