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Updated MIC Tesla Model 3 SR+ Gets 6% More Range In New Test

Bjørn Nyland finds that the available battery capacity is now 3.5 kWh higher.

Tesla Model 3 SR+ MIC range test after increased battery capacity (source: Bjørn Nyland)

The Made-in-China (MIC) Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (SR+) in Europe has more range than initially indicated.

This version has already been range tested by Bjørn Nyland in June, but at the time it had a surprisingly big battery buffer of 5.5 kWh.

Recently, Tesla has unlocked - through a software update - more battery capacity (about 3.5 kWh), by reducing the buffer to a more typical level of 2.5 kWh.

ScanMyTesla info

According to the info from the ScanMyTesla app, the usable battery capacity is 52.8 kWh (7.1% more than previously - 49.3 kWh).

  • Capacity of the full pack (when new): 55.4 kWh (kind of initial/theoretical value)
  • Nominal full pack capacity: 55.3 kWh (total; net + buffer)
  • Energy buffer: 2.5 kWh or 4.5% (between the current nominal value and usable value)
  • Usable full pack capacity: 52.8 kWh (net) vs 49.3 kWh previously

That has prompted Bjørn Nyland to retest the range of the MIC Tesla Model 3 SR+.

Range test

As anticipated, the results are better than previously in only slightly different conditions.

At 90 km/h (56 mph), the range improved by 8.6% to 443 km (275 miles), while at 120 km/h (75 mph) it's 4.3% better than before - 313 km (195 miles). The energy consumption is pretty much the same.

Bjørn Nyland notes that the average range increase is then about 6%. We guess that the 1,000 km challenge would be a bit quicker, but it's probably not worth retesting.

Bjørn Nyland's range test runs until 0%, 0 km, ---, or equivalent appear on the display as he does not expect that regular drivers would go beyond "zero". The cars still have some reserve at that point.


Tell us what you think!

2021 Tesla Model 3 SR+ (MIC)

Results at 90 km/h (56 mph)

  • range of 443 km (275 miles)
  • energy consumption of 118 Wh/km (190 Wh/mile)
  • used battery capacity: 52.6 kWh (estimated)
  • temperature of 20°C
  • 18" Michelin PS4 (235/45-18)

Results at 120 km/h (75 mph); up 33% compared to 90 km/h:

  • range of 313 km (195 miles); down 29%
  • energy consumption of 168 Wh/km (270 Wh/mile); up 42%
  • used battery capacity: 52.6 kWh (estimated)
  • temperature of 19°C
  • 18" Michelin PS4 (235/45-18)

Final thoughts

In a separate video, Bjørn Nyland shares his final driving impressions and summary (very positive) about the 2021 Tesla Model 3 SR+ (MIC) - "it's one of the best cars for the money."

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