The manufacturer completes working on the new Tesla Model 3. This year, the popular electric sedan sees the most profound changes since its launch in 2017, and it is promised to become more advanced and affordable.
Tesla has definitely done much to popularize pure electric vehicles. The 3, its entry-level model, is one of the most sought-after cars thanks to its versatility, range, and price. Being a software-defined vehicle (SDV), the Model 3 periodically gets over-the-air (OTA) updates. It underwent subtle refreshes but has not been overhauled yet.
The new 2024 Tesla Model 3 (referred to as Project Highland) is around the corner. Teasing photos, renders, and videos are increasingly appearing on the Internet.
Although there is no official information on a launch time yet, we can assume by hints and indirect signs that it will happen in the fall of 2023, likely in September.
Expect changes in the exterior, interior (new seat designs), software (more safety, more autonomy), frame, and manufacturing, as well as a new hardware setup (Hardware 4).
Fresh Look
The most obvious change we’ll see in the 2024 Model 3 is a refreshed front end. A recent image (upper photo) shows a redesigned nose and sleeker, narrower headlights. We also expect new wheel designs, a new front bumper, and changes on the sides (a new side camera and new side mirrors) and at the rear (taillights).
Simplified Chassis
Tesla is still striving for a cheaper car of around $25,000. In particular, the carmaker twice applied price reductions on the base Model 3 and all three versions of the Model Y in the USA in April.
To implement the idea of an affordable Tesla car, the company will have to keep ramping up production to down costs. In 2021, Tesla optimized the suspension design of the Model Y, so that the rear of the body was cast into one large piece. The new Model 3 is likely to be revised in the same way.
A simplified chassis with fewer parts can bring the price down. The suspension and body optimization will unlikely drastically affect the dynamics and driving quality, but the sedan might become a little stiffer and feel a little sportier when driving.
New Batteries
All next Teslas will probably use the automaker’s latest battery technology. The new Model 3 will run on larger batteries normally used in the Model Y. There’s also the possibility that those 4,680 cells will use the new dry-coated electrode tech that Tesla put into production last year in California and Texas, potentially lowering costs twice.
Tesla can use the savings as an incentive for the first buyers or to finance the development of a new, cheaper model. We expect the driving range to remain roughly the same or improved in the Model 3’s new iteration.
