Tesla Model 3: radical changes planned

According to insiders, Tesla is working on a new version of its volume model Model 3. The project will be codenamed Highland. An important goal for Tesla is to reduce production costs, reports Reuters news agency based on four people who are familiar with the plans: fewer parts on the car and a simpler interior design should help.

For example, it is conceivable that the steering wheel from the Model S is also used in the Model 3: it is not round or slightly flattened at the bottom, but is more reminiscent of the steering wheel in an airplane or KITT from the series “Knight Rider” . The appearance of the e-car, the drive power and the display can also change.

As before, the cheapest of the four Tesla models will be built at the US factory in Fremont and in Shanghai. Production there will start in the third quarter of 2023. It is not yet clear when the generation change will take place in Fremont. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment.

Increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers

Launched five years ago, the electric sedan was the best seller from the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, but has now been partially overtaken by the larger Model Y.

However, competition from traditional automakers is getting tougher, says Ed Kim, market researcher and head of the AutoPacific Group. The model, which has been updated so far through software updates, must therefore also change its appearance.

“Consumers still tend to equate visual change with novelty,” he said. In China, Model 3 sales fell nine percent so far. The Qin and Han sedans of China’s largest electric car manufacturer BYD sold better.