Tesla Maximum Range RWD Model 3 Appears On Configurators In Germany & The UK

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Electrive reports a new version of the Tesla Model 3 now appears on the company’s online configurators in Germany and the UK. Known as the Model 3 Maximum Range Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), the company claims in an email that the new version of the Model 3 consumes 12.5 kWh of electricity per 10 kilometers and has a range as measured by the WLTP testing standard used in Europe of 702 kilometers (436 miles). The selling price in Germany is €44,990, €5,000 more than the standard range RWD car. Transfer fees are extra. The price in the UK is £44,990, equivalent to €53,500 at current exchange rates. As of this moment, the Model 3 listed on the US configurator with the longest range is called the Long Range Rear Wheel Drive. It has an EPA range of 363 miles and lists for $42,490.

What gives the new car so much range? Tesla hasn’t provided any details to the media as of yet. It says only that the version of the Model 3 is “the most efficient electric vehicle currently offered in Europe.” Tesla added, “Such superior range at an affordable price is the culmination of our ongoing engineering efforts to enhance energy efficiency while simultaneously reducing costs.” The new version of the Model 3 will begin shipping to buyers in November, Tesla says. Don’t look for any visual cues that distinguish this version of the Model Y from other versions. There aren’t any, according to Electrive.

A Model 3 For Hardcore Travelers

According to Top Gear, Tesla says it is targeting “hardcore travelers” and Tesla is very keen for you to know that efficiency has improved. Tesla hasn’t said what size battery the Model 3 Maximum Range RWD uses, but Top Gear believes it is the same 75 kWh pack used in the Model Y Long Range RWD. The rest of the car is as the standard Model 3, with all the connectivity and cabin trimmings launched in the update last year, including the acoustic glass, improved suspension and seals, and upgraded dampening. In addition to an extensive infotainment package, there are ventilated front seats and heated seats for the first and second rows as well.

According to Tesla’s calculations, the new Maximum Range Rear Wheel Drive car offers the best price-to-range ratio on the market. It goes on to say someone driving about 10,000 miles a year who charges at home will pay only about £150 per year for charging. Top Gear does point out that 10,000 miles a year is a “Funny definition of a hardcore traveler.” Indeed it is.

Electrive points out there are some inconsistencies in the data points supplied by the company. In its press release, it quotes a price of €44,990 and an energy consumption of 12.5 kWh/100 km for the new Maximum Range Rear Wheel Drive car. However, the configurator lists a price of €45,970, and a consumption figure of 14.4 kWh/100 km in an energy overview. As soon as Tesla responds to these slightly contradictory details, we will update this information accordingly, Electrive says. We hope they have an abundance of patience if they are waiting for Tesla to make any response to press inquiries.

The Takeaway

It would be helpful to know just how Tesla has managed to eke out so many miles for this new version of the Model 3. Is the single rear motor different from the one used in the standard RWD car, or is this mostly a case of shoving a somewhat larger battery pack underneath the car? According to Top Gear, there is a slight improvement in efficiency, but nothing that would get the people at Guinness’ Book of World Records to perk up their ears.

Is a similar version going to be offered to drivers in North America? There is no indication that will happen, which leads us to speculate whether the battery pack used in Germany and the UK may not qualify for US federal EV tax incentives. It would certainly be interesting to know what company is supplying the battery cells for this version of the Model 3. A good guess might be CATL, but since no specific information is available, that is nothing more than a guess.

Range is a vital consideration for many people contemplating the purchase or an electric car, and the Tesla Model 3 Maximum Range Rear Wheel Drive has enough of it to calm the fears of just about any driver. We predict many people will be more than willing to pony up an extra €5,000 to get their hands on an electric car with one of the longest range ratings available from any manufacturer today. There are many models from other manufacturers that cost more but offer less range. In other words, if range is your primary objective, this version of the Model 3 has to be very close to the top of your wish list. It would be wonderful to see a similar version offered to North American customers.