Bjørn's 1,000 Km Challenge: New Model 3 RWD (LFP-60) Is A Beast

Its cold weather result appears to be comparable to the summer result of the previous version.

By: Mark Kane

Feb 2, 2022 at 1:01pm ET

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In the most recent 1,000 km challenge, Bjørn Nyland tested the latest Made-in-China (MIC) Tesla Model 3 RWD (former Standard Range Plus/SR+) with about a 60 kWh LFP lithium-ion battery (as recently measured in Bjørn Nyland's range test).

The car offers very good range, efficiency, and fast charging characteristics, which allowed it to achieve an outstanding overall time, despite cold weather (3-6°C) and wind.

The result of 10 hours and 5 minutes is almost the same as the results achieved in the previously tested Tesla Model 3 SR+ cars at significantly higher temperatures:

2021 Model 3 SR+ (MIC): 9 hours and 55 minutes at 13-21°C
2021 Model 3 SR+ (Fremont): 10 hours at 22-27°C
2022 Model 3 SR+ (MIC) 60 kWh LFP: 10 hours and 5 minutes at 3-6°C

Not only that, the new result required only 5 fast charging stops (mostly at non-Tesla charging stations as there is no requirement for very high power), compared to 6 in the previous two tests.

Bjørn Nyland noted that the new entry-level Tesla Model 3 has an outstanding thermal management system, as well as good aerodynamics.

The additional 5 kWh (or 9%) of usable battery capacity (as measured in Bjørn Nyland's previous tests) also helps.

There are not that many cars that could achieve a better time. For reference, the Kia EV6 with a 77.4 kWh battery was able to complete the challenge at 6°C in 9 hours and 55 minutes. Also with five stops.

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