Tesla could breathe new life into the Model 3, its most affordable 100% electric sedan, in 2023. What developments could we expect?
Launched five years ago in the United States, the Model 3 could experience big changes in 2023. This is what Reuters understands, which refers to the Highland project in an article published on November 28, 2022. According to several of its sources, Tesla would launch a redesign of the Model 3 late next year. It would be comparable to the changes experienced by the Model S and the Model X at the start of 2021, with, in particular, a completely redesigned interior.
The primary objective of the new Highland design would be to “ reduce the number of elements and the complexity of the Model 3 cabin “. The American firm would also like to focus on the features that drivers appreciate, the screen in mind. The planned developments are not mentioned, but it is possible to make predictions by knowing Tesla’s liabilities.
A new Model 3 in 2023: what would change?
The exterior design: details and other colors?
Tesla is not known for radically changing the exterior design of its cars. In its past, the most significant change concerned the Model S, which sported a new front end in 2016. The multinational prefers to proceed in small touches on the Model 3, which, for example, has swapped chrome finishes for black matte more elegant. In short, we can’t imagine the 100% electric sedan changing its look in 2023, except for certain details that may not be obvious.
The Model 3, on the other hand, could win the two new colors of the Model Y assembled in Berlin (Quicksilver and Midnight Cherry Red).
The interior: the screen and the Yoke steering wheel?
Inside, the changes could be marked. Reuters mentions the screen, which could be inspired by that of the latest Model S. The premium sedan is equipped with a large 17-inch touch screen promising a cinematic experience (definition of 2,200 x 1,300 pixels), with the possibility of tilt it left or right.
The Model 3 could especially inherit the Yoke steering wheel, which trades the traditional circular design for a more daring rectangular approach. As it has been homologated in the European Union, nothing prevents Tesla from democratizing it a little more by introducing it into its more financially accessible car.
Production: directly integrated batteries?
With this Highland project, Tesla would first seek to reduce production costs. This means that the future Model 3 should take advantage of the latest advances seen in factories. Thus, the Model Y are based on an architecture directly integrating the batteries, with a structure connecting the front and the back. This design reduces the number of components, makes the battery lighter and ultimately improves the performance of the car (in terms of efficiency). As the Model 3 and Model Y are close, it would be a logical evolution.