Tesla Model 3 base model adds driving range, changes name

The entry-level Tesla Model 3 has dropped its Standard Range Plus name and increased its battery driving range to nearly 500 kilometres.

A running change to the most affordable vehicle from the Californian company has lifted its WLTP-rated driving range from 448km to 491km.

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In a case of what Elon giveth, Elon taketh away, the variant that is now simply called the 'Model 3' has lost half a second in performance. The 0-100km/h claim is now 6.1 rather than 5.6 seconds for the rear-wheel-drive mid-sized sedan.

The price of the Tesla Model 3 base remains at a sharp $59,900, ensuring it continues to be eligible for the best EV incentives offered in Australia.

The $73,400 Long Range or $84,900 Performance all-wheel-drive versions of the Model 3 also gain range increases. The Long Range goes from 580km to 614km; the Performance's range rises from 530km to 567km.

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Acceleration times remain unchanged for the Long Range and Performance, with respective 0-100km/h times of 4.4 and 3.3 seconds.

It’s been a busy 13 months for the cheapest Model 3.

In October 2020, it switched production source from the US to China and exchanged its battery from NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide) to LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate).

The move to the new battery was accompanied by a climb in driving range to 448km.

There were also several exterior and interior updates, including new wheel designs and a new centre console featuring dual smartphone charging trays.