Tesla is about to release a new variant of the Model 3 in China, and they call it the Model 3+. Unlike the name’s “plus”, which implies extra performance. The Model 3+ version is designed to maximize range for the sedan, meaning it might be one of the best electric cars for road trips. This move comes as Tesla faces unprecedented EV competition in China, where dozens of domestic brands are churning out new models at breakneck speed. While Tesla dominates in the US, the Chinese market demands faster innovation, and the Model 3+ is Tesla’s answer.
The Model 3 sits between the entry-level Model 3 RWD and the AWD Long Range. This means the Model 3+ could serve as the “sweet spot” in the lineup. But its success will depend on whether Tesla can keep pace with the product cycles. These are all the details about the upcoming Model 3+.
Chinese Tesla Model 3 Powertrain
The new model will be rear-wheel drive only, powered by a single motor. But it comes with a special twist. The Model 3+ swaps the standard entry-level 62.5 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery for a larger nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) pack sourced from LG. This chemistry is more expensive. However, it offers higher energy density, enabling far greater range.
Tesla already uses NMC packs in the AWD Long Range Model 3. This allows the Model 3+ to deliver 468 miles (CLTC) from its 78.4 kWh battery. It will pair that pack, or possibly a slightly larger 79.7 kWh unit, as in the U.S. Long Range RWD model, with a more efficient single-motor drivetrain. That said, the Model 3+ may achieve up to 497 miles (800 km) on China’s CLTC cycle. That figure would put it in direct competition with the Xiaomi SU7’s top variant, and well above most mainstream EV offerings in China.
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Competitive Positioning in China’s EV Market
With the Chinese Model 3, Tesla wants to reinforce its standing in the world’s most cutthroat EV market. In China, buyers expect constant innovation. Local brands like BYD, NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto frequently refresh models or release new ones. With every release, these cars pack advanced driver-assistance tech, high-end interiors, and long ranges at prices that often undercut Tesla’s offerings.
With the rear-wheel drive variant with an LG NMC battery, Tesla can target customers who value maximum range. The Model 3+ could also appeal to buyers put off by the performance-focused Model 3 Performance. Importantly, the Model 3+ may help Tesla counter the Xiaomi SU7, which has been making headlines as a high-value sedan.
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Technical Breakdown: Battery and Range Advantages
The key to the Model 3+’s appeal lies in its battery choice and drivetrain configuration. Tesla gains a significant boost in energy density. And it does this by switching from the entry-level Model 3’s 62.5 kWh CATL LFP pack to LG’s nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistry. This means more energy can be stored without increasing the battery’s physical size. NMC cells also tend to perform better in colder climates compared to LFP. This means they will retain most of their capacity in low temperatures.
Pairing this high-energy-density battery with a single-motor rear-wheel drive layout creates an optimal efficiency scenario. Without the added weight, friction, and energy demand of a second motor, the new model can make better use of each kilowatt-hour. The result, according to MIIT data, is an estimated 497 miles (800 km) of range under China’s CLTC testing cycle.
If Tesla uses the same 78.4 kWh pack from the AWD version, it would suggest that the extra range is entirely due to the drivetrain’s efficiency gains. However, if Tesla opts for the 79.7 kWh pack used in the U.S. Long Range RWD variant, it could push efficiency slightly further still. Either way, this will be Tesla’s most range-focused Model 3 yet.
