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Tesla Adds New Features to the China-Market Model 3
Tesla has introduced several useful upgrades to the Model 3 in China as it faces increasing competition from local electric vehicle manufacturers. Instead of announcing the long-awaited Roadster, which has once again been delayed, Tesla has chosen to refresh its popular sedan with improvements to its technology, practicality and interior design.
The most noticeable change is the addition of a larger 16-inch central touchscreen. Tesla says the new display offers higher resolution and a faster refresh rate, although the company has not provided the exact specifications. The larger screen should make it easier for drivers and passengers to use navigation, entertainment features and vehicle controls.
Another important upgrade is vehicle-to-load, or V2L, functionality. This allows the Model 3 to supply electricity to external devices, making it useful for activities such as camping, outdoor work or emergency backup power. The system can provide up to 2.2 kW of AC power, but owners will need to purchase an additional adapter to use the feature.
Tesla has also added a new interior option for Chinese customers. Buyers can now select a premium gray interior paired with a black fabric headliner, giving the cabin a more distinctive and upscale appearance. The same 16-inch screen and gray interior were introduced in the US-market Model Y earlier this year, so these changes could eventually become available in other Model 3 markets as well.
The updates come at a time when Tesla is under growing pressure in China, where several brands are offering competitively priced electric vehicles with advanced technology. To attract buyers, Tesla is advertising an effective starting price of RMB 222,500, or approximately $33,000, after including a RMB 5,000 discount and an RMB 8,000 insurance subsidy for eligible orders placed before October 31. The standard price of the base rear-wheel-drive Model 3 remains RMB 235,500, or around $35,100. Tesla is also offering paint credits and a choice of charging-related benefits as part of the current promotion.
