The Tesla Mannequin 3 has been on sale for years with no vital overhaul, however we’ve been listening to whispers and seeing spy photographs of an alleged facelifted mannequin for some time now. CarBuzz dug up a current report from the Chinese language publication JRJ that implies the watch for a brand new Mannequin 3 might virtually be over. The outlet claims that pre-production has begun, and buyer deliveries might kick off as early as October 2023.
The automobile on this picture has a unique nostril and headlights. And in keeping with JRJ, Tesla’s new automobile, codenamed Highland, will sport a 66 kWh battery from CATL, a Chinese language firm that controls a large portion of the worldwide battery market. The batteries are stated to make use of a novel mixture of iron, aluminum, and different metals that mix to provide a extra energy-dense battery with an extended service life. CATL’s involvement seemingly additionally means a worth discount for parts in Tesla’s provide chain, which might assist hold MSRPs from ballooning.
JRJ means that the brand new Mannequin 3 might include a worth as little as 200,000 yuan, or round $28,000. That considerably undercuts the most affordable Mannequin 3 within the U.S., which at present sells for simply over $40,000.
It’s unclear the place Tesla will supply batteries when the brand new automobile arrives within the U.S. Nevertheless, the present automobile makes use of cells manufactured domestically in a number of states. That transfer made it eligible for federal tax credit, which in some circumstances has allowed consumers to stack incentives to get a massively decreased worth on a brand new Mannequin 3. In California, some consumers have bragged about getting a brand new Mannequin 3 for lower than $30,000, utilizing the state’s clear automobile program and native incentives.
Whereas we don’t have a lot element on the brand new automobile, most anticipate an up to date inside with the potential for an elective steering yoke. Tesla might also transfer towards extra recycled and sustainable supplies and is predicted to provide the automobile extra superior LED exterior lighting.
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