Tesla has ceased sales of the most affordable version of the Model 3 sedan in the US. An analyst referred to it as a wise strategic move.
Tesla quietly stopped selling the Standard Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 in the US. This move was praised by a bullish analyst speaking to Business Insider. The electric carmaker, run by Elon Musk, removed this version from its website as of Wednesday, as reported by Reuters.
The cheapest Tesla car in the US is now the Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, priced at $42,490. The discontinued model utilized lithium iron phosphate battery cells sourced from China, according to Reuters. Earlier this year, the US imposed tariffs on EVs imported from China, as well as on EV batteries and key minerals.
Vehicles using Chinese-made components, such as the LFP batteries, are no longer eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit. Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush and a long-time Tesla supporter, told Business Insider that discontinuing the model is “a smart strategic move” indicating a greater focus on the Long Range Model 3. Ives also noted that the tariffs on Chinese EVs reflect substantial tension in the US-China Cold Tech War, which benefits Tesla.
He added that removing the Standard Range model does not significantly impact Tesla’s overall strategy, as the Model Y remains the company’s primary focus in the US EV market. The starting price for the Model Y is $44,990. Affordability has become a major concern for electric carmakers , as most EV options, including Tesla’s, are still more expensive than the average gas-powered car. Tesla has previously discussed plans to manufacture a cheaper car than the Model 3, but has not yet done so.
Tesla’s decision to discontinue the cheapest version of the Model 3 came shortly after the company slightly exceeded analysts’ delivery expectations, with third-quarter sales reaching 462,890 vehicles. Ives told BI that Tesla’s sales were “a step in the right direction” to meet its yearly target of 1.8 million vehicle deliveries. Bargain Chinese EVs Adding to the price war are Chinese competitors like Xpeng, which recently introduced the Mona M03 at $16,800 — less than half the price of Tesla’s Model 3 in China.
Nio and BYD are planning to launch a new, affordable brand called Onvo, which would directly compete with Tesla’s Model Y. Nio also has plans to launch a second EV brand named Firefly, which would retail for under $30,000, as reported by Reuters in May Chinese government policies, including scrapping and replacement subsidies, continue to fuel demand for more affordable EVs in the country, according to a September note from HSBC analysts.
The bank anticipates that over 100 new models will be launched in China by the end of 2024, primarily by the country’s EV brands. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment sent by BI outside business hours.
Tesla is no longer offering the sub-$40,000 rear-wheel drive Standard Range version of the Model 3 that has been in the company’s lineup since 2023. The most affordable trim is now the Model 3 RWD Long Range that starts at $42,490. This change was initially highlighted by Electrek and coincides with Tesla’s announcement of a year-over-year increase in vehicle deliveries in its third quarter of 2024.
Tesla has adjusted prices numerous times over the past few years as it strives to maintain its leading position in the market. However, an increasing number of customers have turned to other vehicle brands, resulting in year-over-year sales declines for Elon Musk’s company .
Tesla also discontinues certain trims occasionally, often without prior notice or fanfare. Earlier this year, the company ceased offering the $60,990 RWD Cybertruck, the cheapest version of its angular EV truck.
The Model 3 Standard Range, which claimed a 272-mile range on a full charge, utilized more affordable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells produced in China. These cells are likely to become more expensive to import due to the Biden administration’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese batteries, semiconductors, and critical minerals. Before incentives, it was the only model that came close to the short-lived and long-promised $35,000 Model 3.
Tesla’s RWD Long Range costs $3,500 more than the discontinued Standard Range. This price difference isn’t substantial considering that the Long Range model is estimated to have a 363-mile range on a full charge, although Tesla has faced accusations of inflating its range estimates .
Despite the Model 3 Standard Range no longer being available for order, Tesla is still working on a more affordable, yet-to-be-announced vehicle for the second half of 2025, which could either be a new car or a more basic version of the Model 3.
Tesla’s ability to make its vehicles more affordable by simplifying them further is uncertain, especially considering that a more basic version of the Model 3 in Mexico turned out to be more expensive than US models, even though the newer models already lack drive and turn signal stalks .
The production and delivery report for Tesla’s third quarter has been released.
After two consecutive quarters of decline, Tesla’s vehicle sales are finally increasing.
During the three-month period ending in September, Tesla produced 469,796 vehicles, marking a 9.1 percent increase compared to the third quarter of 2023. Additionally, the company delivered 462,890 vehicles to customers in Q3 of 2024, representing a 6.3 percent increase from Q2 2023 .
These figures show improvement over the previous quarter, with production up 14.4 percent compared to the second quarter of 2024 and delivery up 5.8 percent. Tesla is producing and selling more vehicles than earlier this year.
While the Cybertruck may be contributing to this growth, Tesla does not provide specific numbers for this electric truck. The majority of its production and delivery consists of Model 3 and Y vehicles, with 443,668 produced and 439,975 delivered in Q3. Other models, including Model S, X, Cybertruck, and Tesla Semi, fall under the “other models” category.
However, Tesla faces challenges as overall electric vehicle (EV) sales are growing slower than in previous years, with customers showing more interest in hybrids rather than pure battery-electric vehicles. As Tesla exclusively produces battery electrics, it may be at a disadvantage compared to traditional automakers with more diverse lineups.
The company also faces increased competition, both in the US and in China, where companies such as BYD and Geely are achieving record EV sales. Tesla’s regional sales numbers are not disclosed, making it difficult to pinpoint its specific strengths and weaknesses.
Tesla’s full third quarter earnings will be reported on October 23rd. Before that, on October 10th, the company is expected to unveil its long-awaited “robotaxi,” with CEO Elon Musk making a strong pitch for Tesla’s future as an AI and robotics company .
Tesla, founded in 2003 and named after inventor Nikola Tesla, gained prominence after Elon Musk joined the company a year later. Musk invested $30 million in Tesla, became the chairman of its Board of Directors, and later secured funding from Google’s founders.
The prototype for Tesla’s first electric car, the Roadster, was revealed in 2006 and went into production in 2008. By June 2009, 500 Roadsters had been sold at a price of $98,000 each.
In 2017, Tesla entered the mainstream market with the launch of its Model 3, which became the world’s most popular plug-in electric car in 2020, with approximately 501,000 unit sales in 2021. Between January and March 2022, Tesla set a new delivery record , surpassing 310,000 units.
Tesla’s shares surged by over 7% on Tuesday, July 2, following the release of its latest quarterly delivery numbers, which exceeded consensus expectations. In the second quarter, Tesla produced around 410,831 vehicles and delivered approximately 443,956 vehicles, surpassing the analyst consensus of 439,302 deliveries. The quarter saw Tesla produce 386,576 Model 3/Y vehicles, with 422,405 deliveries. Tesla’s shares reached a high of $226.66 following this news.
Thomas Monteiro, a senior analyst at Investing.com, remarked, “The better-than-expected Q2 deliveries are not only a breath of fresh air for Tesla’s margins but also for the EV market as a whole. Although these numbers were naturally boosted by strong auto demand in the US in general—GM’s sales, released shortly before, further attest to this—it indicates that the EV market is still alive, as several analysts were quick to point out a few months ago.
“However, deliveries only offered limited support to the ongoing rally. The real focus for investors is on the technology front, with both the humanoid robot and the Robotaxi stories developing at an exciting pace. Both, particularly when combined, have the potential to become absolute game-changers for the company’s margins, meeting the expectations of Tesla shareholders.”
What Is Tesla’s Annual Revenue?
Tesla’s annual revenue in 2021 was $53.8 billion, marking a 70.64% increase from 2020 when it earned $31.5 billion in sales. In 2022, Tesla maintained its position as the leading EV manufacturer by revenue and market share, surpassing Volkswagen.
During Q1 2022, Tesla sold over 310,000 vehicles, and its vehicle deliveries totaled 254,700 units in Q2 2022. For the quarter ending June 30, 2022, Tesla’s revenue was $16.934 billion, showing a 41.61% year-over-year increase. The revenue for the months ending June 30, 2022, was $67.166 billion, reflecting a 60.45% growth year-over-year.
In the third quarter of 2022, Tesla’s revenue was $21.454 billion, and in the fourth quarter, it reached $24.32 billion, representing a 37.24% year-over-year increase. The revenue for the twelve months ending December 31, 2022, was $81.462 billion , indicating a 51.35% growth year-over-year. In 2022, Tesla’s hourly revenue was $8,703,704, compared to $13,981 per hour in 2012.
In the second quarter of 2024, Tesla reported earnings with EPS of $0.52, falling short of the analyst estimate of $0.61. The revenue for the quarter was $25.5 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $24.33 billion.
In 2022, Tesla achieved remarkable delivery statistics, with the company delivering 1,313,851 vehicles globally, marking a 40% increase from the previous year. It also increased its car production by 47% compared to 2021.
Tesla’s sales in the US outperformed other luxury car brands, with 491,000 vehicles sold in 2022, securing its position as the leading luxury car sales leader. The company also made significant contributions to American car manufacturing by producing its cars in California and Texas under Elon Musk’s leadership.
During 2022, Tesla expanded its international factories, commencing vehicle production at Giga Berlin in Germany and updating the factory in China to manufacture up to 750,000 Model 3 and Model Y electric cars additionally annually., Tesla enhanced its production capacity across all its factories to produce 100,000 Model S and X vehicles per year, along with 1.8 million Model Y and Model 3 vehicles.
In late 2022, Tesla reduced the prices of its vehicles globally, making its Model 3 and Model Y cars more affordable in several countries. This move aimed to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by enabling more people to purchase Tesla’s cars.
How Many Tesla Vehicles Are Sold Each Year?
Tesla has been increasing its annual production steadily. In 2014, the company manufactured only 35,000 vehicles. In the first half of 2021, Tesla produced 386,759 cars, with 184,877 vehicles delivered in Q1 and 201,304 in Q2. Overall, in 2021, Tesla manufactured 930,422 EVs and delivered 936,222, setting a new record. These numbers indicate a year-over-year growth of 82.5% compared to 2020.
There were 906,032 Model 3/Y vehicles produced, representing a 99% increase from 2020. In the same year, Tesla manufactured 24,390 Model S/X cars, showing a 56% decrease year-over-year. The deliveries of the latter model also decreased by 56% compared to 2020, amounting to 24,980 vehicles. Deliveries of the Tesla Model 3/Y reached 911,242, marking a 106% increase from 2020.
In the first and second quarters of this year, Tesla produced 564,750 vehicles. Analysts anticipate that Tesla’s rapid growth may accelerate in the third quarter and beyond. During the annual shareholder meeting, Elon Musk discussed the company’s future production plans, that stating by the end of 2022, Tesla might achieve an annual production run rate of 2 million vehicles:
“We’re aiming to achieve a 2 million vehicle run-rate by the end of the year… Thanks to the hard work of the Tesla team, we’ve already been able to achieve a 1.5 million unit annualized run rate. And depending on how the rest of this year goes, I think we might get close to, or will get approximately at the 1.5 million mark, and will be exiting the year at a 2 million-unit run-rate,” Musk said.
In the fourth quarter of 2022, Tesla delivered nearly 405,300 units. Its quarterly deliveries grew by 17.87% during this quarter, compared to the same quarter of 2021. Between November and December 2022, Tesla’s deliveries crossed the 405,000 unit mark, setting a new record The deliveries in the third quarter of 2022 totaled 343,000. Overall, in 2022, Tesla delivered 1,313,851 and produced 1,369,611 units. Since 2018, Tesla has delivered 3,382,821 and has produced 3,429,532 cars.
The company also stated that the factory in Shanghai enables it to manufacture 750,000 Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles a year. The production capacity of Tesla’s factory in California allows it to annually produce 100,000 more expensive Model S and Model X cars, along with 550,000 of its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The company’s Texas factory can produce 250,000 Model Y vehicles annually, and so can its factory in Germany.
Tesla’s 2022 Year-End Vehicle Production and Delivery
Tesla began the new year by releasing its fourth-quarter vehicle production and 2022 delivery report on January 3, 2023. Total annual deliveries reached a new record of 1.31 million, increasing by 47% compared to the previous year. Total annual production reached 1.37 million . The most popular vehicle of the year proved to be the Model 3, comprising over 95% of produced and delivered cars.
The Q4 deliveries and production could have been more remarkable. Their numbers fell short of analysts’ consensus, who expected Tesla to deliver around 427,000 cars. Contrary to analysts’ predictions, Tesla delivered 405,278 vehicles and produced 439,000 cars in the fourth quarter.
The period ending December 31, 2022, was challenging for the company due to Covid outbreaks in China, leading to reduced production at its Shanghai factory. Yet Elon Musk sounded optimistic when he expressed his anticipation to achieve “50% average annual growth in vehicle deliveries over a multi-year horizon.”
How Many Tesla Vehicles Are Sold by Country?
Tesla sold and delivered the majority of its vehicles in China in 2021. Of these electric cars, 478,078 were made in Tesla’s production facility, Gigafactory Shanghai. From its American facilities, Gigafactory Texas and Gigafactory California, Tesla sold 301,998 vehicles.
The company is gaining popularity in Europe. In 2021, it sold 169,507 vehicles in European countries, where the Tesla Model 3 was named Europe’s favorite electric vehicle. In 2019, the Netherlands purchased the largest number of Tesla cars among European countries – 30,911 vehicles. Norway and Germany followed the Netherlands’ example with 18,798 and 10,711 cars purchased respectively.
In the United States, Tesla was the first manufacturer to reach 200,000 cumulative sales of electric vehicles, reaching the end of its government subsidy cap of $7,500 per sold car. In other words, since January 2020, no Tesla vehicle sold in the USA has received any subsidy.
Tesla began producing its vehicles in China in 2018. In January 2020, Tesla’s Chinese Gigafactory launched the output of the Tesla Model 3 Sedan and batteries. The production of the Tesla Model Y began on the Chinese mainland in 2021
How Many Tesla Charging Stations Exist?
As of the start of 2022, there were a total of 3,724 Tesla Supercharger stations worldwide. These charging stations are strategically placed in urban and rural areas to allow Tesla owners to recharge their vehicles in just fifteen minutes. In response to increased sales, Tesla has Made significant efforts to expand the availability of charging stations. Between July 2018 and July 2021, Tesla added 1,652 new Supercharger stations.
By the end of 2021, Tesla was operating 3,059 Supercharger stations in more than forty countries. The number of charging stations for Tesla electric vehicles grew by 86.07% from July 2019 to July 2021.
In October 2021, the majority of Tesla Superchargers were situated in the United States and China, accounting for 65.53% of all Tesla charging stations. The USA had 1,159 Tesla charging facilities, representing 37.88% of all locations, while China had 846, making up 27.65% of all Superchargers. Canada had 125, or 4.08% of all Tesla Supercharger locations.
Tesla manufactures electric vehicles in three countries: the United States, China, and Germany, utilizing a total of six manufacturing facilities. Four of these facilities have been fully operational for several years. In addition to the original Fremont Factory in California, Tesla has added three more operating manufacturing facilities: Gigafactory Nevada, Gigafactory New York, and Gigafactory Shanghai in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. Across its Fremont and Shanghai locations, Tesla has installed an annual production capacity of 1.5 million cars.
Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg in Germany was officially inaugurated on March 22, 2022. This factory is designed to produce batteries, battery packs, and powertrains for use in Tesla vehicles additionally, the first Model Y Performance with 2170-cells was manufactured in April 2022 at this location.
Gigafactory Texas, near Austin, Texas, commenced limited production of the Model Y toward the end of 2021, with the first deliveries of electric vehicles from this factory occurring on April 7, 2022. Gigafactory Texas is also intended to be the primary site for the production of the Tesla Cybertruck and the Tesla Semi, as well as the location of Tesla’s corporate headquarters. It is the second largest factory in the United States by size and the second largest building in the world by volume.
Tesla has updated the Model 3, which made its debut in late 2023. These updates consisted of a completely redesigned yet familiar exterior, new interior technology, and new technical enhancements at reduced production costs. This made the latest Model 3 a fantastic vehicle with new features and a price tag below $40,000, but that has recently and quietly come to an end.
Although Tesla did not officially announce the discontinuation of any model, the base Standard model is no longer up for grabs. Instead, it has been substituted with the Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel-Drive with an MSRP of $42,500, which is $3,500 more than the previous Standard trim. Despite Tesla’s assertion that the Model 3 was manufactured at a reduced cost, it seems that the Standard Model would have ultimately become more expensive to produce.
This model’s battery technology has been discontinued
The Standard Model 3 utilized LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery cells that were obtained from China. This allowed Tesla to manufacture their vehicles at a subsidized rate, but there was a downside to using these batteries. Vehicles with these batteries did not qualify for the $7,500 tax credit available to EV owners, and this included the Standard Model 3. Additionally, the Biden administration has imposed higher import tariffs on Chinese-made products, including batteries.
These additional costs and the absence of incentives would have resulted in the cheapest Model 3 becoming quite expensive over time. It simply did not make sense, so Tesla decided to eliminate this model in favor of the next vehicle, which featured superior batteries and could easily qualify for EV tax incentives.
While the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model may be pricier, it provides significantly more value than the initial price suggests. Firstly, it offers 91 miles more range at 363 miles compared to 272 for the Standard model. This is due to the utilization of NCA (nickel cobalt aluminum) batteries in this model, which are produced in the United States. Not only does it offer much more range, but it also assists Tesla in keeping production costs low, enabling you to still own an affordable Tesla EV.
The most significant advantage of this change is that the cheapest Model 3 is finally able to take advantage of the $7,500 government tax credit available to eligible EV owners. This means that you could purchase a new Model 3 Long Range at an MSRP of around $35,000, which is $4,000 less than the previous Standard model, but with additional range, performance, improved technology, and features. With this move, the Tesla Model 3 may very well maintain its position as the best value-packed EV on the market. Tesla’s sales have been thriving, and we might witness another surge in demand for the beloved Model 3.
With the EV market expanding day by day, it has never been more challenging to select the right model for you. One safe bet is to consider one of Tesla’s models, as they not only offer a comprehensive EV package with a wide range of refinements and good range, but they are also competitively priced.
Although they do not contain as many moving parts as vehicles with traditional internal combustion engines, there are still maintenance expenses to take into account in other areas. In fact, studies indicate that new EVs can be three times as problematic as ICE vehicles.
These include the typical components found in any car, such as suspension, as well as the electric powertrain, which can still experience issues. CarBuzz decided to determine the Tesla model with the lowest maintenance costs in 2024.
For those seeking to minimize their expenses on a new electric vehicle, the fact that Tesla’s most affordable model is also the most cost-effective to operate should be welcome news. The Model 3 was initially introduced in 2017 as Tesla’s entry-level offering, positioned below the Model S.
It is spacious enough for medium-sized families to use on a daily basis. There are several versions available, with the most affordable being the long-range rear-wheel drive model. This is equipped with a single-motor powertrain producing 280 hp. This is sufficient to propel it to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, which should be more than adequate for performance-oriented parents.
If this seems somewhat underwhelming, Tesla also offers a long-range AWD version and the Performance variant. Both feature a dual-motor powertrain, with the latter boasting an impressive 510 hp while the former has 350 hp. The contrast is striking, with the Performance capable of accelerating to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, while the AWD achieves this in 4.2 seconds.
When factoring in the US government EV grant, they are also reasonably priced in comparison to their closest competitors. The base RWD model can be purchased for just $35,000, while a Performance model will set you back a tempting $47,000. The standard AWD model falls between them at just under $40,000. The range is also impressive across the three models, with the RWD capable of covering 363 miles on a single charge.
In late 2023, Tesla made updates to the Model 3, which included a redesigned exterior, new interior technology, and technical improvements at lower production costs. However, the latest Model 3 with a sub-$40,000 price tag has been quietly discontinued.
Although Tesla did not officially announce the discontinuation of any models, the base Standard Model 3 is no longer available for purchase. It has been replaced by the Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel-Drive, priced at $42,500, which is $3,500 more than the previous Standard trim. Despite Tesla’s claim that the Model 3 was built at a reduced cost, the Standard Model’s production would have become more expensive over time.
The Standard Model 3 used LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery cells sourced from China, which allowed Tesla to build their vehicles at a subsidized rate. However, vehicles with these batteries did not qualify for the $7,500 tax credit available to EV owners, and the Biden administration imposed higher import tariffs on Chinese-made products, including batteries.
These additional costs and lack of incentives would have made the cheapest Model 3 quite expensive over time. Therefore, Tesla decided to discontinue this model in favor of a new vehicle with better batteries that could easily qualify for EV tax incentives.
Although the Long Range Rear-Wheel-Drive Model may be more expensive, it offers more value than its initial price suggests. It provides 91 miles more range at 363 miles compared to the 272 miles of the Standard model. This is due to the NCA (nickel cobalt aluminum) batteries used in this model, which are produced in America. Not only does it offer more range, but it also helps Tesla keep production costs low, making it an affordable Tesla EV.
The most significant advantage of this change is that the cheapest Model 3 is now eligible for the $7,500 government tax credit available to eligible EV owners. This means you could get a brand-new Model 3 Long Range at an MSRP of around $35,000, which is $4,000 less than the previous Standard model but with more range, performance, better technology, and features. With this move, the Tesla Model 3 may very well retain its position as the best value-packed EV on sale. Tesla sales have been booming, and we may see another rise in demand for the beloved Model 3.
With the EV market expanding, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to choose the right model for you. Tesla’s models offer a comprehensive EV package with a wide range of refinements, good range, and competitive pricing, making them a safe option.
While EVs have fewer moving parts than vehicles with traditional internal combustion engines, they still incur maintenance costs in other areas, such as suspension and the electric powertrain. Studies show that new EVs can be three times as problematic as ICE vehicles.
For those looking to spend as little as possible on a new electric vehicle, the fact that Tesla’s cheapest model is also the most affordable to run should be welcome news. The Model 3, introduced in 2017 as Tesla’s entry-level offering below the Model S, is large enough for medium-sized families to use daily. It has multiple versions available, with the cheapest being the long-range rear-wheel drive model, equipped with a single-motor powertrain producing 280 hp. This is sufficient to propel it to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, suitable for performance-focused parents.
For those seeking more power, Tesla also offers a long-range AWD version and the Performance variant, both featuring a dual-motor powertrain. The Performance variant boasts 510 hp, while the AWD version has 350 hp. The Performance can sprint to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, while the AWD takes 4.2 seconds.
Taking into account the US government EV grant, these models are also affordable compared to their closest rivals. A base RWD model can be purchased for just $35,000, while a Performance variant will cost $47,000. The normal AWD version falls between them at just under $40,000. The range is also impressive across the three models, with the RWD capable of 363 miles on a single charge.
The heavier AWD, now eligible for the $7,500 EV tax credit once more, can cover 341 miles, while the Performance model can travel 303 miles.
If all this seems impressive, it gets even better when considering the projected maintenance expenses for the car. As per CarEdge, maintaining a Model 3 over a decade is estimated to cost only $5,381, which is more than $4,000 less than the class average. This cost comparison includes regular gas-powered vehicles in the luxury sedan category, demonstrating the significant savings that electric vehicles can offer when factoring in maintenance.
This point is further emphasized by the Model 3’s low 13.45% likelihood of experiencing a major malfunction over this period, which is notably lower than its closest competitors by 13.12%. It also solidifies the Model 3 as the most cost-effective Tesla to maintain over extended periods, making it an ideal choice for families with limited disposable income.
Regarding charging, the cost depends on whether you have a home charger and your location among the 50 states. Home charging not only revolutionizes the experience but also provides the most economical charging option. Hawaii is the most expensive state for charging an electric vehicle, but even there, substantial savings can be expected compared to a gas-powered car.
The 2024 Model 3 has experienced minimal recalls thus far
While the Model 3 does not have a large number of serious reliability issues, it has been subject to several recalls for relatively minor issues. Most of these have been addressed over the years through software updates or design adjustments. Some recalls were issued for the 2024 model, according to RepairPal. For instance, there was an issue with the hood latch assembly failing to register if the hood wasn’t shut properly, which was resolved through a software update.
Another recall involved a single vehicle missing a gas deflector in the side airbag system, which could hinder its proper functioning in the event of a collision. Although this was fixed in April, concerned customers can reach out to Tesla’s service department for more details about the issue. Thus far, only one vehicle has been found to have this problem.
While the projected figures are promising, firsthand reviews are invaluable. Fortunately, the majority of 2024 Tesla Model 3 owners validate the car’s strong reliability record. Kelley Blue Book, which aggregates feedback from car owners, reports that out of 186 Model 3 drivers who left reviews, 167 awarded it a four or five-star rating.
A total of 17 drivers gave three stars or less. This resulted in the Model 3 receiving a reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews focused on the Model 3’s build quality. For example, one owner mentioned experiencing a seat belt failure that had to be rectified by Tesla. Another reported three defects within a year of ownership, including one related to the glass roof.
Another owner expressed frustration with the Tesla’s computer system, stating that their voice control stopped working, and the volume controls were unresponsive. A couple of drivers noticed uneven panel gaps around the car, while another encountered issues with wireless phone charging. Overall, these issues are likely isolated to specific cars, as most owners are satisfied with their Model 3’s quality.
The Model 3 was one of the top cars in its class. Not only could it outperform most of its competitors in terms of performance, but it was also one of the most affordable options. Additionally, it offered several features not found in other brands. For the 2024 model year, unveiled in September 2023, Tesla claimed to have changed or improved over 50% of the vehicle. This was a bold statement for a car that appeared largely unchanged, yet substantial upgrades were made.
Like any other facelift or mid-life cycle update, the car needed to have a distinct appearance. While the overall profile remained the same, as the 2024 Model 3 was built on the same platform and structure, there were other exterior details that set the new model apart from its predecessor. The American brand redesigned the headlights, making them slimmer and more stylish. Additionally, more prominent LED daytime running lights were added inside the headlights. The new headlights necessitated a redesigned bumper, which became slimmer and wider, and the fog lamps were removed.
The car manufacturer deemed them ineffective. Tesla included new wheels in its lineup, available in sizes up to 19 inches and featuring a multi-spoke design. Interestingly, the taillights were positioned on the tailgate at the rear. Red fog lamps were also added to the lower bumper by the manufacturer, as they were required by law in most regions worldwide.
Internally, the dashboard closely resembled the one in the pre-facelift version, but it was actually new. The design concept was similar, featuring a plain, flat area that now had an LED strip running along the base of the windshield, between the A-pillars. Additionally, a new steering wheel design with integrated buttons for turn signals and cruise control was introduced.
In the 2024 Model 3, Tesla eliminated all the column-mounted stalks and even relocated the windshield wipers to the redesigned steering wheel. A new center console was installed between the front seats, providing a storage compartment and a pair of cup holders. Furthermore, the manufacturer upgraded the touchscreen in the center stack, maintaining the same size but offering improved image quality.
Another significant enhancement was the introduction of a color touchscreen for rear-seated passengers, allowing them to control vents and the stereo system.
Although the updated version retained the same engines and batteries, it was capable of achieving a range of up to 423 miles (678 km). Conversely, the base model allowed the vehicle to travel 346 miles (554 km) on a single charge.
Unleashing the Future: How Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries Are Revolutionizing Transportation
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are transforming the way we think about transportation. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, the development of advanced battery technologies is playing a pivotal role in driving this change.
From lithium-ion to solid-state batteries, the continuous innovations in battery technology are not only extending the range of EVs but also enhancing their performance and reducing charging times. One of the most significant impacts of EV batteries is their contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
By powering vehicles with clean energy, EV batteries are helping to mitigate the environmental impact of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. This shift towards electrification is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the overall well-being of communities, as it reduces air pollution and promotes cleaner urban spaces.
Moreover, the integration of smart grid technologies with EV batteries is opening up new opportunities for energy storage and grid stabilization. Through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies, EVs can serve as mobile energy storage units, contributing to the stability of the overall energy grid.
This bi-directional flow of energy enables EV owners to not only power their vehicles but also to supply energy back to the grid during peak demand, thus creating a more resilient and adaptable energy infrastructure. In addition, the evolution of EV batteries is driving advancements in renewable energy integration.
By coupling EV charging stations with solar and wind power generation, it is possible to create interconnected systems that utilize clean energy sources for both transportation and electricity generation. This convergence of technologies is fostering a more sustainable and decentralized energy ecosystem, enabling individuals and communities to actively participate in the energy transition.
As EV batteries continue to evolve, they are poised to have a profound impact on the future of transportation and energy. The ongoing research and development in battery technologies are paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient mobility landscape, where electric vehicles play a central role in shaping the future of transportation.
From Zero to Hero: The Rise of EV Batteries in Sustainable Energy The increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has driven the rapid development of EV batteries, making them a pivotal component in sustainable energy solutions. As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, EV batteries have emerged as a game-changing technology, offering higher energy density, longer lifespan, and faster charging capabilities. This transformation has been instrumental in reducing carbon emissions and curbing reliance on fossil fuels, thus paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
