The new Tesla Model 3 Long Range (LR) recently went head-to-head against the legacy Model 3 in a highway range test, and the results were surprising.
The real-world highway range test was conducted by Out of Spec Reviews, and based on their tests the results showed that the 2024 Model 3 covered an impressive 370 miles (595km) at 70 mph (113km/h), easily surpassing its official EPA estimate of 341 miles (549km). It is worth noting the EPA estimates are a combined city/highway rating, while this range was achieved strictly with highway driving.
However, even taking that into considering, this result is even more impressive when you compare it to the previous generation of the same model, which only managed to achieve 296 miles (476km) in virtually identical conditions.
The test, conducted on a closed-loop highway at constant speeds, highlighted several key improvements made to the refreshed Model 3. Notably, the car still uses the same 82 kWh battery pack as its predecessor, and there have been no changes to the motors. The gains in range are attributed to aerodynamic enhancements, new tires, and potential software optimizations, showcasing Tesla’s ability to refine and upgrade its vehicles without overhauling major hardware components.
One of the most interesting aspects of the test is how the new Model 3 performed in a scenario where most electric vehicles (EVs) tend to underperform. Electric vehicles (EVs) are generally known to be more efficient in city driving due to regenerative braking and lower speeds, which minimize energy consumption. In contrast, highway driving typically reduces range, as drag and wind resistance increase with speed. Many EVs struggle to meet their EPA-rated range at high speeds, where regenerative braking is less effective, and energy consumption spikes.
However, the 2024 Model 3 flipped those conventions by exceeding its EPA ratings, even at a steady 70 mph.
The test did involve accounting for battery degradation in the older Model 3. Even with adjustments for wear and tear, the older model would have only reached around 310 miles (499km) on a full charge, according to Out Of Spec, but still well below the range achieved by the refresh version. This highlights just how far Tesla has come in optimizing efficiency and extending the range of its vehicles.
You can watch the full range test below.
