Tesla’s upgraded Model 3 electric sedan, also known as “Project Highland,” has scored a 5-star rating in IVISTA’s Intelligent Vehicle Integration test in China in 2023, matching its predecessor’s safety record.
Evaluation process
China’s IVISTA Intelligent Vehicle Integration test scrutinizes the advanced safety systems of a vehicle. It is authorized and supported by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Municipality of Chongqing.
IVISTA’s tests bring the vehicles to different settings to test their advanced safety systems through the following four key metrics:
- Smart Driving
- Smart Security
- Intelligent Interaction
- Smart Energy Efficiency
However, it did not undergo the Smart Parking metric in IVISTA’s tests as it has no such features in China.
Results
Per the test results, the Tesla Model 3 Highland scored “Good” in all four key metrics. It is indeed remarkable, considering that the model is currently “vision-only” without any other sensors besides exterior cameras to monitor the surroundings.
In addition, IVISTA also analyzed the Tesla Model 3 Highland’s energy efficiency by testing the accuracy of its rated range to its real-world range results. The electric sedan delivered an 11.6% drop from its CLTC-rated range under normal temperatures, enabling it to score “Good” performance.
Meanwhile, its range declined by 15.6% from its advertised range in high-temperature conditions, resulting in a Poor rating. In the low-temperature test, it lost 26.5% of its range but still gained a Good rating.
Overall, the Tesla Model 3 Highland achieved a whopping five stars in IVISTA’s Intelligent Vehicle Integration test in 2023.
What’s unique about the upgraded Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 Highland arrived as a pure vision car due to its shift from radar or ultrasonic sensors to a pure vision system. In that sense, it now leverages eight exterior cameras to enable its safety and driver-assist functions.
Nonetheless, the all-electric sedan generally excelled in IVISTA’s Intelligent Vehicle Integration test.
However, the model has yet to undergo crashworthiness tests from reputable safety agencies like EuroNCAP and the IIHS. Given that the upgraded model retained its predecessor’s structure, it would surely receive the same 5-star ratings as the original.
On the other hand, Tesla enhanced its driver assistance package. Therefore, its scores will undoubtedly improve in this area.
IVISTA’s five-star rating for the upgraded version of the “most-sought after” electric vehicle highlighted Tesla’s continuous efforts to offer remarkable active safety features.
