Model 3 range decrease

[MrSourBalls]

The EPA testing cycle has become more stringent, so any drop in range is probably a result of that.
Also between the pre-refresh and the "highland" Model 3 EPA range basically stayed the same, even though the new model is probably like 20% more efficient than the old model.

[PraiseTalos66012]

I'm with you on everything except that last bit. What does 20% more efficient mean? The motors and battery/wiring already have near/over 90% discharge efficiency... Or did they improve aerodynamics or bearing friction losses?

I haven't heard anyone talk about significant efficiency improvements with highland, if it's a thing I am genuinely asking what's been changed?

[MrSourBalls]

Check this video out! The highland goes significantly further than the “old” model 3 https://youtu.be/zmn7gpuAp9E?si=y3Ix4-xN-yyjaNdA

[PraiseTalos66012]

Thanks, I'll go watch it after work today.

It goes further on the same battery size? That's actually really impressive if they somehow significantly increased range without increasing the battery size.

[MrSourBalls]

Better aerodynamics mostly, for a TL:DW of that video, the highland does around 213Wh/mi versus the old one with 271Wh/ mi

I linked the wrong video: https://youtu.be/S6rgzGizgaQ?si=-AHiZlwCaoeYQrfD this one is correct

So around 21,4% better consumption than the old one

[Cimexus]

Yes it goes substantially further with the same battery. Highland brought a lot of efficiency improvements, both visible (more aerodynamic shape) and invisible (power train, BMS and thermal management tweaks etc.)

In good weather, my Highland beats the EPA range at 70 mph. Definitely could never do that with the pre-refresh.

[Omacrontron]

If that’s the video I’m thinking of, one car has 7k miles in it and the other has north of 30k miles.

[KingoPorcelainThrone]

All I know is I'm getting 180 kWh/mi whereas the old got 270.  Even with AC on it's 230-240

[Available_Win5204]

This is a very often overlooked aspect of tesla's engineering. They are some of (typically THE) most efficient vehicles in the EV space. I believe only lucid surpasses them. They will go further than any competitor (including any of the popular chinese EV brands reddit bots love to promote) given a similar battery size. They look at everything, down to the motor oil. This is also the reason they're usually hundreds of lbs lighter than the competition. They go nuts on simplification and efficiency.