Good news for prospective Tesla Model 3 buyers in Europe! The entry-level rear-wheel-drive variant is now offering an extended range of 572 kilometers (approx. 355 miles) under the WLTP testing cycle, an increase of 38 kilometers (approx. 24 miles) from its previous 534 kilometers (approx. 332 miles).
Tire Upgrade Delivers Significant Range Improvement
This notable boost in driving distance comes without any changes to the vehicle’s battery pack or motor architecture. Instead, Tesla has achieved this improvement through a strategic choice of new wheels and tires designed for enhanced efficiency. The change, confirmed by Tesla’s European X account (@teslaeurope), is attributed entirely to a new set of tires.
Specifically, the 18-inch Photon wheels previously fitted to the Model 3 have been replaced with newly designed 18-inch Prismata wheels. While maintaining the same 18-inch diameter, the Prismata wheels feature an improved aerodynamic design. These are paired with tires incorporating a low rolling resistance rubber compound. This combination significantly reduces energy consumption, allowing the electric sedan to travel further on the same amount of stored energy.
European Left-Hand Drive Markets Benefit First
This range enhancement is currently rolling out to all left-hand drive (LHD) markets across Europe. Consumers in countries such as Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, and Lithuania will find the 18-inch Prismata wheels as the standard fitment on new Model 3 rear-wheel-drive vehicles. This represents a 7.1% increase in the car’s WLTP-rated range.
It’s important to note that right-hand drive (RHD) markets are not yet included in this particular upgrade. In regions like the UK and Ireland, Tesla’s online configurator still displays the older 18-inch Photon wheels and the previous range estimate of 534 kilometers.
This development highlights how seemingly minor component changes can have a substantial impact on the real-world efficiency of electric vehicles. For consumers seeking to maximize their range without a higher price tag associated with larger batteries, this tire and wheel upgrade offers a welcome improvement.
