Tesla introduces its longest-range vehicle to date, boasting a revolutionary battery system
Tesla Introduces Single-Motor Long Range Model 3 in China, Australian Launch Anticipated
Tesla has added a new variant to its Model 3 lineup, the single-motor Long Range model, which is now available for order in China. The vehicle is expected to deliver around 700 km of range on the WLTP cycle used in Australia, according to industry analyst Riz Akhtar.
The new Model 3 Long Range variant uses a 78.4 kWh Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (NCM) battery pack supplied by LG Energy and features a more powerful 225 kW rear-wheel-drive motor. It improves acceleration to 0-100 km/h in about 5.2 seconds, faster than the existing single-motor RWD standard range entry-level model but slower than the dual-motor AWD Long Range currently sold in Australia.
In China, the Model 3 Long Range variant is expected to deliver up to 830 km of range based on the CLTC test cycle, a figure that would translate to about 700+ km on the stricter WLTP cycle used in Australia. Tesla is currently offering a range of summer incentives in the Chinese market, including 5 years 0% interest, an insurance subsidy of around $A1,700, charging incentives, and Enhanced Autopilot transfer for a limited time.
Regarding availability outside China, including Australia, the variant is expected to be introduced later in 2025, possibly in the latter part of the year. However, there is no official confirmation yet on whether Tesla will offer this new single-motor Long Range Model 3 in right-hand-drive markets such as Australia. Current Australian Model 3 Long Range offerings remain the dual-motor AWD version with about 629 km WLTP range.
Riz Akhtar, the founder of carloop, a company that specializes in Australian EV data, insight reports, and trends, noted that while the single-motor long-range Model 3 is established for China with imminent deliveries, its release and availability in Australia remain expected but not officially confirmed as of mid-2025. Akhtar, a mechanical engineer with a passion for EVs and a goal to reduce transport emissions in Australia, currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.
Australian buyers can currently access the dual-motor Model 3 Long Range AWD with up to 629 km WLTP range. The entry-level RWD standard range model is also available, starting at $54,900, offering up to 520 km of range. carloop focuses on providing data, insights, and trends related to EVs in the Australian market.
Sources: [1] Tesla China [2] Riz Akhtar, carloop [3] Tesla Australia
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