Tesla has just launched its new Model 3 Performance worldwide. We already know that it performs better in the United States. But we also learn that the Chinese version is more interesting for long journeys, thanks to much lower consumption.
The new Tesla Model 3 Performance has been getting a lot of attention since it was made official yesterday. This is the most powerful Model 3 ever created according to Tesla. But the problem is that this is true in the United States, but not necessarily in Europe. The problem: the battery, not powerful enough in Europe, which limits the car to 460 hp compared to more than 500 hp across the Atlantic.
The other problem with this Tesla Model 3 Performance is its consumption. The old one was given for 16.5 kWh / 100 km in WLTP standard, taking into account energy losses linked to recharging. With the new version, you must now count on 16.7 kWh / 100 km, despite better aerodynamics. The reason: the rear tires, much wider than the old version (265 versus 235 mm), increasing consumption at high speeds.
The wiser Chinese version
In China, Tesla also markets the new Model 3 Performance. But this is different from European and American models. It’s a small detail, which nevertheless has a huge impact on energy consumption: the size of the rims. Instead of 20-inch Warp rims, the American manufacturer offers 19-inch Warp rims. The rims still include a mini hubcap (aero cover) to improve aerodynamics, but this is much less visible. In addition, the rear tires go from 275 to 265 mm wide on the Chinese version.
In detail, the range of the Tesla Model 3 Performance in Europe is 528 km on the WLTP approval cycle and its battery has a capacity of 79 kWh. Compare with the Tesla Model 3 Propulsion, which announces a greater range (554 km) with 18-inch rims and despite a smaller battery, 60 kWh. In China it is quite the opposite: the Tesla Model 3 Performance provides a range of 623 km on the local CLTC cycle, much more optimistic than the WLTP. But there, the Tesla Model 3 Propulsion is sold with a CLTC range of 606 km with 19-inch rims. Or a lower autonomy than the Performance version, unlike the situation in Europe.
This comparison allows us to understand the impact of wheel size on consumption. And to be sure that the difference comes from the difference between WLTP and CLTC, let’s take the example of the new Tesla Model Y Large Autonomy RWD. Its WLTP consumption is 14.9 kWh / 100 km with 19-inch wheels, compared to 15.5 inches in the 20-inch version.
A more comfortable version
Why did Tesla install smaller rims on the Chinese version of the Model 3 Performance? Perhaps due to the state of the roads in China, which are more degraded. Smaller wheels help filter out road irregularities better. Or perhaps simply to increase the range, in order to stay above the 600 km mark in a very competitive local market.
Remember, however, that the old Tesla Model 3 Performance was already marketed with smaller rims in China than in the rest of the world. But the design was totally different.