Tesla’s bestselling Model 3 variant, the Long Range AWD, ceased taking orders in August 2022 in the United States. CEO Elon Musk stated that the move was necessary as the “waitlist was too long.” Indeed, Tesla customers endured up to 1 year of wait time to get their orders during those times.
Musk assured customers that the Model 3 LR AWD would return as production increased, with 2023 as the initial target date.
Now, the Tesla Model 3 LR AWD has finally reappeared in the automaker’s design studio after almost nine months. However, its current configuration seems to be different from the original one.
Changes in the reintroduced Tesla Model 3 LR AWD
The Tesla Model 3 LR AWD has undergone some adjustments based on the new data indicated in Tesla’s design studio. The most notable is the range, which has been reduced from 358 miles to 325+ miles. It means a different battery pack is present in the currently available model.
Interestingly, it is most likely equipped with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, given the reduced range estimate and the fact that it only qualifies for $3,750 in federal tax credits. Its energy and range are substantially less than the nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) packs but with the same amount of storage.
In addition, LFP does not call for the use of cobalt, a hard-to-find critical mineral. They also experience less degradation, indicating that your battery will last longer in good condition. However, they perform poorly in extremely cold situations.
It is also worth noting that the LFP-powered Model 3 RWD is qualified for only 50% of the federal tax credit of up to $7,500, strengthening the idea that the Model 3 LR AWD also uses the same battery pack from China’s CATL. However, these battery speculations have not yet been confirmed by Tesla.
Pricing
Nonetheless, the revised pricing for this variation brings the Model 3 Long Range AWD remarkably near the Model 3 Performance.
The starting MSRP of the Model 3 LR AWD is $47,240, while the Model 3 Performance starts at $53,240. It must be noted that both costs do not include a $1,390 shipping fee.
The former is priced at $43,490 after federal tax credits, while the latter is reduced to $45,740. Despite the Model 3 Long Range AWD’s $2,250 price advantage, the Performance appears more practical. They have the same 315-mile range, but the latter boasts an 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.1 seconds compared to the former’s 4.2 seconds.
See Also:
- Tesla Model 3 is the “most sought-after EV” around the globe
- Tesla Model 3 has the highest used car discount
- Tesla Model 3 experiences the highest price drop for its used car in this year
- Tesla alerts customers that the $7,500 tax credit for the Model 3 RWD will drop
- Tesla insider confirms Model 3 Highland design, details, and upgrades
You can order the new Model 3 Long Range now. Meanwhile, deliveries are expected in June, which is just one month from now.
