Tesla increases its own Model 3 LR range estimatе with the expensive set of wheels

Tesla has been on a range adding streak for its bestselling Model Y and Model 3 vehicles lately, revising its numbers upwards.

The welcome moves usually come when Tesla completes the new EPA range test and updates the previous number that resulted from its stricter internal testing routine. It even had to halt Model Y AWD deliveries for a while until it got the EPA test done and dusted with an officially longer range on a charge.

For the Model 3 Highland refresh, though, it has now gone into an efficiency boost mode, increasing its own internal estimate for the distance that the Long Range version can cover on a charge with a particular set of wheels.

If a Model 3 LR buyer equips their new vehicle with the $1,000 set of Nova wheels, instead of the included 18-inch Photons, they'd be pleasantly surprised by an 11-mile range bump.

Previously, Tesla listed the Model 3 with the 19-inch Nova wheels as good for 305 miles of range, according to its own internal testing. That same range estimate has now been bumped to 316 miles for the larger Nova wheels kit with all-season tires.

This Model 3 range increase with the more expensive set of wheels is rather welcome, as the 19-inchers look svelter, but are largish and come with increased resistance compared to the stock 18-inch Photon wheels.

The difference in range between the two wheel types used to be rather stark, too, with the stock set outpacing the 19-inchers by a full 41 miles, according to the EPA estimate.

Now, that difference is less pronounced, though Tesla stays mum on any tire efficiency gains or testing routine changes that may have prompted this welcome development.

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