Model 3 Performance range test disappoints as LR RWD clocks 386 miles on a charge
When subjected to a grueling full-to-empty range test on the highway, all Tesla Model 3 versions save for the top Performance trim managed to beat their EPA estimates, some by a lot.
The best bet for those who are looking for the most efficient Tesla this side of the Robotaxi, seems to be the Model 3 Long Range AWD with a Panasonic battery pack.
The LR model achieved a truly remarkable performance as it aced its official EPA estimate of 341 miles by more than 20 miles, achieving 365 miles on a charge, or nearly the efficiency of the Lucid Air Pure, America's most battery-sipping EV.
The test was done on practically new cars in at a constant 70 mph speed with equal tire pressure, cabin temperature, and load, from 100% charge, and until the battery goes completely dead close to the starting location to equalize for wind and elevation.
In those conditions, the Model 3 Performance fell short by quite a lot, dying 15 miles before it can hit its own official 303-mile EPA range estimate.
The Model 3 AWD with LG battery was the second worse performer, beating its EPA range by "only" 3 miles, followed by the 5 miles of the base RWD version with LFP battery that Tesla is no longer selling in the US.
That is still a commendable performance, but the Long Range RWD trim that is the new cheapest Tesla, impressed more with 23 miles over its official range estimate for the remarkable 386 miles on a charge, the most of any Model 3 version.
Model 3 highway range test at 70 MPH
- RWD with LFP battery: 272 miles EPA vs 277 miles
- Long Range RWD: 363 miles EPA vs 386 miles
- Long Range AWD LG battery: 305 miles EPA vs 308 miles
- Long Range AWD Panasonic battery: 341 miles EPA vs 365 miles
- Performance: 303 miles EPA vs 288 miles
It has long been known that Panasonic supplies batteries with higher energy density than LG, and the latest Model 3 highway range test only confirms those observations.
The fastest Performance version, however, seems to guzzle more battery than its EPA range estimate suggests, though.
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