Why Tesla sells the Model 3 Performance more attractively in China than in Europe

Tesla has launched its new Model 3 Performance worldwide. We already know that it works better in the US. But we also learn that the Chinese version is more attractive for long trips, thanks to the very low consumption.

The new Tesla Model 3 performance has been getting a lot of attention since it was made official yesterday. This is the most powerful Model 3 ever created according to Tesla. But the problem is that this is true in the United States, but not necessarily in Europe. The problem: the battery, not powerful enough in Europe, which limits the car to 460 hp compared to more than 500 hp in the Atlantic.

Another problem with this Tesla Model 3 Performance is its utility. The former was given 16.5 kWh / 100 km in the WLTP standard, taking into account the energy loss associated with recharging. With the new version, you must now calculate 16.7 kWh / 100 km, despite the better aerodynamics. The reason: the rear tires, wider than the old version (265 vs. 235 mm), increase efficiency at high speeds.

A smart Chinese version

In China, Tesla is also selling the new Model 3 Performance. But this is different from the European and American models. It’s a small detail, which however has a big impact on energy consumption: the size of the rims. Instead of 20-inch Warp rims, the American manufacturer offers 19-inch Warp rims. The rims still include a mini hubcap (aero cap) to improve aerodynamics, but this is not very noticeable. In addition, the rear tires go from 275 to 265 mm in width on the Chinese version.

In detail, the Tesla Model 3 Performance range in Europe is 528 km on the WLTP approval cycle and its battery has a capacity of 79 kWh. Compare with the Tesla Model 3 Propulsion, which advertises a greater range (554 km) with 18-inch rims and despite a smaller battery, 60 kWh. In China it is quite the opposite: Tesla Model 3 performance provides a range of 623 kilometers on the CLTC domestic cycle, more promising than the WLTP. But there, Tesla Model 3 Propulsion is sold with a CLTC range of 606 km and 19-inch rims. Or lower autonomy than the Performance version, unlike the European situation.

This comparison allows us to understand the effect of wheel size on usage. And to be sure that the difference is due to the difference between WLTP and CLTC, let’s take the example of the new Tesla Model Y Large Autonomy RWD. Its WLTP consumption is 14.9 kWh / 100 km with 19-inch wheels, compared to 15.5 inches in the 20-inch version.

A more comfortable version

Why did Tesla put smaller rims on the Chinese version of the Model 3 Performance? Perhaps due to the condition of the roads in China, which are more damaged. Smaller wheels help filter road irregularities better. Or maybe just increase the range, to stay above the 600 km mark in the highly competitive domestic market.

Note, however, that the old Tesla Model 3 Performance was already sold with smaller rims in China than in the rest of the world. But the structure was completely different.