New Battery! Tesla Model 3 Standard Plus with 60kwh LFP. Range, efficiency and charging review. Sr+
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
- #LFP #SR+ #Model3
The Tesla Model 3 SR+ has received a significant update and is now fitted with a different battery pack.
The new “LFP” (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) battery is cheaper, easier and more ethical to mine but less dense compared to Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminium.
So the pack size has increased to c.60kWh to compensate.
Also a fundamental difference is that the cars can be charged to 100% daily and not capped to 90%.
So why does all this mean for real world range, efficiency and charging capability?
These cars have a heat pump as standard plus double laminated front windows which should also help in this cold weather.
I’m very impressed!
What other changes are there? Heated rear seats and steering wheel too?
Thanks for watching!
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You know you're an EV Nerd when you can convert Wh/mile to Miles/ kWh in your head, while driving.
I like a quick maths class to understand how the calculations are done,
This is top-tier. Clear, concise, informative. A great blend of the subjective and objective, backed by credibility built on knowledge of and familiarity with these vehicles. This channel is now becoming a public service. I have a 2019 Model 3 performance - the best and most enjoyable car I have ever owned, in my opinion - and, as I look to the future of my, hopefully, continued use of Tesla cars, this channel will be my main source of information and informed opinion on the matter. Thank you.
Thanks for such kind words. Great to read this and the many other positive comments. Really pleased they help.
Totally agree. Watching here in the US as a British expat and it's great to have the UK take on many EVs we see here in the States (and a few we don't!) Keep up the great work and thank you.
Wow, considering LiFe chemistry is good for nearly twice as many charge cycles as either NCA or NMC, properly maintained these cars could realistically last well over 20 years.
I was going to enter pretty much this comment, but you already worded it quite well.
@@RSEV There are rumors of suspension improvements on the 2022 (produced) model 3 and Y. Let's see 👀
Wow! It is official, the new SR Model 3 have longer range that our LR from 2019 (without heatpump). Just amazing how far Tesla have got in just 2 years. Well done!
Just thought the same. My 2019 Long Range would have a hard time in these conditions matching that range. Sold it a month ago and I'm pretty sure the SR will be my next car.
It makes me feel better about ordering a new RWD
@@totallyAcRo the only thing the LR RWD has over the base 22 3 is straight line performance and a better sound system.
@@totallyAcRo not waiting for the model y?
@@totallyAcRo not really. The ‘19 3LR had 310 miles range. Drive it as if its performance was limited to that of the ‘22 standard range, and it will easily get 340-350 mile range. Drive it doing everything you can to maximize range and you’re able to averaage around 230wh/pm, well then you’ll be getting around 390-400 mile range. But because the ‘19’s didn’t come with the heat pump, it’s likely those range numbers would be like 20-30 percent lower for most of Jan/Feb
I have had mine for a month. About 1300 miles done so far Motorway and City combined,averaging at 240wh per mile. Amazing car. Love it!
Ordered my Model 3 a few days ago and your video has definitely increased my hype while i wait :)
Thanks for another great video update glad to see the bigger battery on the sr+ but we done nearly 7000 miles in 3.5 months just for pleasure with no problems and done 700 miles in less than one day trip
One of the best EV reviews to date,, from any channel. Apart from the water torture as you filmed the charging section! That was just cruel! 😁
Almost had to stop watching and visit the loo...
I really enjoy your channel and observations. Have owned our LR AWD Model Y since July 2020 and we love it. it's been flawless and very efficient. I play with tire pressure to tune the ride. Around town I drop them to 38 PSI/2.6 BAR for long road trips I air them up to 44 PSI/3.0 BAR. 42 PSI/2.9 BAR (recommended) for city use is TOO HIGH and causes the jitteriness some find objectionable.
Yes I now do the same on the model 3 I’m driving. Annoying to need to do that but it helps
Well, that was a bloody good review, thanks for making it for us. Somethings that I do appreciate Tesla fitting is the front and rear heated seats and the heated steering wheel, I think that ought to be a standard fitting on all vehicles these days.
LFP means Lithium-Iron-Phosphate.
There is NO precious metal
There is NO unsustainable elements like cobalt.
There are NO toxic elements.
It’s also MUCH safer in a crash and can be used every day from 100% to zero%, if that’s your wish, with no battery degradation.
I'm still on the fence between ordering a 'standard' Model 3 and opting for the long range. But honestly, based on the results I see here, it looks like the standard car is already very suitable for longer drives. A half-an-hour stop after 190 miles of driving sounds very reasonable to me. Especially since it's still a 9000 euros price difference I'm looking at here.
Yes this is a very compelling car. Even a "base model" with RWD but 060 in under 6 seconds can manage nearly 300 miles in winter.
I’m in the same boat. I had a LR on order but changed it to the SR. The only thing I hope I’ll enjoy is how it drives (I’ve only drove the LR). I need to test drive a SR but I have a few months to do that.
@@ryansheridan2853 There are some more differences than only the battery. the standard range has a worse audio system, and some lights are missing. And offcoarse the battery and different motor.
@@ryansheridan2853did you get the Sr in end ? If so how is it?
@@max4557 I did not. Ended up avoiding Tesla because it caused me too much stress. I have a 2022 Mazda CX-30 I could let be happier with.
Ordered mine now! Can’t wait to get it!! Standard range with this new LFP battery. Great video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
What is the quoted lead time on the Model 3 currently? I have a Q4 e tron on order, ordered mid September, due June
@@danielmorris1527 in the Uk, March for custom order, immediately for recently shipped spare inventory
@@serendipity7442 thanks, when I came to order my company car the M3 was no longer available to me as the lease rates must have moved higher.....I like the Q4 but in my heart I'd have preferred the Tesla
About bloody time. I built my first LFP vehicle in 2006. Converted a Gary Fisher mountain bike to electric using two Dewalt 36 volt LFP battery packs. We used to call them LiFePO4 but I guess everyone got tired of the long form. Anyway, I put about 4000 miles on those two batteries two years before I quit using them on the bike. Now 15 years later I still have those packs and they still work in my drill. They were cylindrical A123 cells rather than the prismatics that Tesla uses.
I understand the only thing stopping widespread adoption of LFP in auto was a particularly expensive patent that expired in Sept 2021. Almost all Cars in China use LFP as they don't enforce patent. My guess is most new cars in the coming years (esp non performance) will come with LFP.
I have a SR+ (LFP) car (since Oct-21) and it has averaged 252w/mile. If I include all losses by taking all the energy sent to charge the car its been running at 305w/mile! All losses included preconditioning, waiting time, charging losses, etc, etc. That means it's cost £40.92 to drive 2,677.15 miles, using Octopus GO. This car must be one of the cheapest cars to drive at the moment whilst being one of the fastest and with good handling...
I’m excited for mine!!! Got a few months wait though!!! 😁
How much would a BMW 330i cost for the same distance? It's above 1.4 £/liter and a liter gets you 14 km. Let's give it an unrealistic 16km or 10 miles for easy calc. 268 liters which is £375. Realistically more like £500. Plus routine oil changes.
Leaf is cheaper to run n buy
@@bdeithrick yes, just not so fast tho...
@@ksmith660 I can only do 32 40 and then 62. Then 20 most of the day. So. Ehhh I’m not bothered about fast
What an excellent channel you have! Subscribed! Content is top notch. As for myself, could not afford Tesla Model 3, so ordered Opel Corsa-e, which is, in my opinion, great car for the money. Greetings from Finland!
We've had our M3 LR since March 2021, done 11500 miles in it and loved it. Though today we've just ordered a Standard range. Gone for 18" wheels, rather than 19's we have on long range. When you take that & ability to charge to 100% into account we aren't going to loose that much effective range. Plus found charging curve on our LG battery wasn't great on road trips, though 95% of time charge at home. We are holding out for Model Y with mythical 4860, though wouldn't be disappointed to keep a model 3. Hatch just more practical. Traffic light Olympics maybe a tab more boring. 😄
I'd advise test driving the MY first. I find the M3 has better handling, more fun to drive and a better ride.
Very helpful review! As a new model 3 owner I didnt know a lot of this. Appreciate the work put in on this one, I will be watching more of your videos!
Great video thanks, can't wait to take delivery of my RWD as it now called, channels like yours helped me make up my mind what to buy, Kia, Hyundai, VW, but no, went for the efficiency of the M3, and sounds like it's now even better. Cheers.
I love your comments on having started your TESLA journey with the 2017 Model S with a big 🔋 battery and long range (at that time), and you are now of the opinion that you can get great enjoyment out of driving the "lower end" Standard Range TESLA Model 3. It is important for more people to realize that most people don't actually need as high a range as they think they need in a battery electric vehicle. And of course, your comments about TESLA's high efficiency are great.
Another ACE video Richard !! I'm with you on RWD and optimising steering feel. And WOW what efficiency and 100% charge is a game changer !!
Great channel, watched from the very beginning, extremely informative with NO showing off. Because of YOU I have just traded my 3 year old Touareg in for a VW ID4 Max, and should be here in 6 weeks. It's the only EV that I have found comfortable seats in.
Ideally timed video. Planning to order the replacement for my M3 Performance next month (end of lease). At 2 years/25k miles following best charging practice, range at 100% charge is showing 281 miles (down from 305 when it was new)*.
Went for the Performance last time because the lease deal was cheaper than the Long Range and only marginally more than the SR+ This time LR is £50/month more than the SR+and the Performance is a further £80/month. Difficult to justify even the LR given how many times we actually use the full range limit. I'd miss the performance, but as you say, the SR+isn't exactly slow.
*What's impossible to tell is whether that would show more in different weather or if they've improved the accuracy of the algorithm or if it's actually lost 20 miles of range.
Great video! You’re driving the same model and colour I deferred until February 2022. It was great to see what my car will be like both performance and internal equipment. Keep up the great videos.
100% agree, the SR+ efficiency has always been amazing. Once saw 158 wh/m on A roads around Edinburgh area. The fidgety ride used to bug me too and is one feature I definitely don't miss. Another great video
My best figure in 2019 SR+ was 164 in summer. 158 is just astounding. Assuming 50kwh thats over 316 miles. Well done. This 2022 version is possibly capable of at least the same range, but performs better in winter as LFPs are not fussy about the cold. I guess the LR and AWDs will get the 4680 cells at some point and they will enjoy a range hike of maybe 20%
@@ouethojlkjn 45 kWh battery in the 2020 Freemont built SR+ but that figure was suburban driving, the moment I went on a longer trip it dropped. Max range was around 180 miles
Ride has gradually improved. A 2021 LR had a notably harsher ride than a new M3 standard.
Thank you for giving the efficiency in metrics system in the subtitles.
The best EV presenter on youtube keep up the good work sir.
Thanks for truthful real info. Much appreciated 👍🏻
I'm viewing your channel from France, your reviews are top quality, even if I have to convert miles to kms 😂
You can see why the sr is such a good value proposition. 40 odd thousand. They could easily charge a few thousand more and people would still pay. Sr+ is the best all round model 3
I think it depends when people ordered. I bought the 2021 MIC LR when it was still £46990, two main things I wanted were the acceleration and all wheel drive. Well worth £4000 over the RWD's current price
They are charging a few thousand more.
@@danpaul4975 the LR is currently £7k more than the SR+ (£42990 v £49990)
Tesla vary the specs, my 2019 SR+ came with factory front foglights but my neighbours turned up a few months later with none - only plastic inserts. Also, the AWD comes with other things like better hifi (activated headline speakers and active sub) and probably a few other things. I am glad to note this 2022 SR+ comes with heater steering wheel.
This has got to be now the Best Buy in the EV market. I’d never have got a SR before but now I think I’d get this one over the Long Range as it’s enough for me. I’ve had 198 on my Model S 75D is summer in busy motorway driving, but this is v impressive for winter.
In the UK, second hand car prices are high across the board but a 2019 sub 20k Model 3 SR+ easily sells for more than list price. It's crazy but they are in huge demand.
Cracking video! One of the best presentations I've seen on the model 3!
Been watching this guy for a few weeks.......brilliant information thanks very much.
We picked up the same car a couple of weeks ago here in the UK and have been getting the same insane numbers. Our Audi Q4 e-tron, well not so good, struggling to get above 2.5 m/kw in the cold. You’re so right on the handles, ours is black and at night the phone torch has to come out to get in 🤣
Mine arrived yesterday and this was the main complaint so far!
Fear nought, I have spoken to several Audi drivers who profess that the stitching on the Audi’s leather seats is exquisite. They have more than ample time to appreciate such fine craftsmanship during very frequent charging sessions at public chargers…….. 😂
@@commuterbranchline8132 very good (and very true 🤣)….
I may have taken matters into my own hand and put a deposit down on a Model Y this morning to resolve such charging trauma😂
@@1simontebbutt With my tongue very firmly in my cheek, I’m gently roasting the Audi. That said, they build fantastic vehicles, but strangely for Audi the engineering falls short with regard to range. The recently announced Rimac tie up with VAG will surely remedy the range constraints!? I too have a Tesla Model Y order placed in the wee small hours of the day of the announcement. March can’t come soon enough!
@@commuterbranchline8132 you right to roast. We did in fact have two Q4s after years of Audi ownership (yes, I was one of those). After 5 weeks the first Q4 developed a significant electrical fault and after 8 weeks of trying to resolve Audi finally accepted it was dead and took the vehicle back, so somewhat tainted the experience and whilst still owning another which hasn’t been without its issues!
Brilliant review! Love your enthusiasm!
Great commentary as always. I collected my LFP SR+ in late November. My home tariff from British Gas is terrible but costs around £12 for a full charge. My problem is that I'm booting the car at every chance I get so I'm burning through charge 😄
Chill mode!!
Once again an excellent presentation. You have an really good presentation style. Thank you.
Getting mine tomorrow! Absolutely buzzing!
What do you think a month on then...?!
Really impressive, both the car and your presentation.
I have a 21 M3P. My last Tesla was a 13 P85. I wholeheartedly agree the rwd Teslas are loads of fun. I really miss my old Model S. It was soo much fun to toss around.
Great video mate 😁
I can't even drive but I enjoy the videos 😂
273 is a tiny bit more than my 2020 Long Range at 80% battery, so I guess it is almost as good, but a lot cheaper. My average at 4 degrees Celsius today at 70 mph was 320 wh/mile, so it’s a lot more efficient. The car was loaded with passengers and baggage and it was raining, so that might had an impact as well. Could be fun to do the same trip in the two models at the same time, to rule out weather, traffic etc.
The charge curve seem to follow my LR on a V2 charger.
Excellent, once again - keep going.
Possible 290 miles and in winter? On the standard? That’s incredible! I’m so impressed with the model 3. Always have been but they just seem to get better. Thanks again
Just this weekend we collected this very car. After nearly 3 years in our '2021' refresh... it was time for a change. With a degree of battery degradation, we were struggling to get 145 miles out of the battery at 100% doing French autoroute speeds.
Other than collecting the car from Tesla we've not been anywhere yet, but I've high hopes that we'll get a good few more miles out of it. Without doubt the efficiency coming home in the new car was way better than our original 3.
Thanks for taking the time to make the video.
When you say “this very car”? Do you mean the exact same vehicle (same reg) in the video or just a similar model?
“6°C so fairly cold today”, then there’s me watching from Edmonton, Canada driving my model 3 with -40° outside.
😂😲. I’d love to try that!
Excellent review which covered the important aspects of charging, range and the features which are now standard
on the updated Tesla M3 RWD.
Thanks to this video I ordered one yesterday :-) Have to wait till November though according to the website. Thanks very much!
I've come from a 2019 SR+ (early 52kwh NCA) to this new 2021 S+ (60kwh LFP). I can tell the weight and power curve difference, but the build quality, sound deadening, winter efficiency, heated wheel, matrix lights, high % charge speed, and battery size is a huge improvement and a much, much better car
It's gonna hit 300 miles in summer and out range the early LRs.
My friend gets 300 out of a Kia Niro in summer
@@vinnieomahoney6359 the niro has a bigger battery and is also slower to 60mph compared to the model 3 in this video... So the kia is nowhere near as efficient.
Do you get heated wheel as standard on the 2021 SR+? I thought you had to upgrade/pay extra or something... Im taking delivery next wednesday = excited!
@@alexandersaksvoll5373 I think it's now included at the £42990 price. If you ordered when it was £41990 it might be a £275 upgrade. It's no longer called SR+
@@abegosavi6462 Yeah, the EV6 is much better, and the GT with 575hp, well, you won't say it's slower.
A most useful review, as its so often the case on this channel. Thanks!
Not to mention, the LFP batteries have little degradation over 10 years!
I saw recently that a 100k mile Model 3 had only lost 2.5% of it's range so the battery management and conditioning must be top class.
Wow, that was super efficient!!
Great reporting as always 👊
Nice info Richard 👍🏼
Great review (especially the details on the new LFP battery).
Excellent presentation, thank you.
My New Zealand M3 SR+ averaged 123Wh/km over the last 50kms which was on roads equivalent to UK A roads.
One other difference between this model and the previous M3 is the loss of the passenger side lumbar support adjustment. Apparently usage data told Tesla that it was seldom used. Which tells us something about the data being shared with Tesla...
I'm looking forward to taking a long trip including Supercharger usage to get a fuller idea of just how efficient it is.
Also in New Zealand and had my M3 SR+ since 16 Nov (build date 10/10/21) and have done 2,030km at 137Wh/km. Same spec as the test car.
I'm gonna get me one. Perfect combo
Awesome videos as always
For a while I had been thinking that the LFP battery would potentially have more usable range than other/prior model 3 battery chemistries - excepting those (for me) rare occasions you deliberately charge to 100% and then discharge close to empty covering the max possible distance on a single charge. Thanks for a great review.
Great review!
Brilliant video which I’ve watched a few times has led me with other factors to eventually order - delivery March! Omg
Thank you for just giving a clear conscience review. Great work.
had my model 3 for about a month now, have to agree no illumination on the door handles (outside) is more annoying than you think! Especially in these winter months in the UK. I've found myself many times trying to find the door handles in the dark! Everything else is just incredible, what a car.
Ive been given an LFP SR Model Y by Tesla to use whilst my long range dual motor is being fixed. The LFP SR is about one third more efficient than my LRDM! Its so good we've ordered one
6:05 I get the same feelings. A rear model 3 has special balanced feelings every time I compare with other teslas.
I just bought one of these off the back off this reviews. I originally thought I wanted a Long Range but this was way more attractive. Pick it up from Manchester next week.
Thanks buddy
Cool well done. It’s my favourite model 3
Great video, thanks
Picked mine up the same day and have exactly the same impression. 200-220wh/m depending on temperature and my driving mood on a mixed roads 12 mile commute. And yes, the suspension is truly awefil compared to my old E Class on air suspension that cost only £2k more. But I’ll live with that for all the other benefits! An epically good car with easy to find black handles against white paint 😂
What do you mean by awed up?
@@bradh6185 typo, should have said awful. Corrected now
Totally agree Ive been testing a few other Teslas recently and my Model S P85 RWD feels the best of the lot to drive around UK fun roads. There is something about the pin sharp steering RWD cars the lesser weight at the front leaves these RWD cars turning quicker and responding to the throttle to make them turn in. Mine used to be 4.2 0-60 Tesla dropped it to 4.0 with an OTA but at the same time there was more grunt and less intrusion from the traction control, bit of a hooligan car. You got to like Tesla they just make stuff fun.
I had the same car. The P85+. Serious fun car and hair raising in the wet :)
@@keithcarney1097 I drove a + and was shocked at how good the suspension and corner control was compared to the standard P85. Im so used to mine now, either Im getting more used to it or Tesla keep refining the traction control, its on 19" so tyres are cheap and winter tyres for 6 months of the year otherwise puling out of junctions in the wet/ice can be the wrong kind of fun. Im used to riding 1000cc sports bikes so pretty used to wet weather grip problems. I suppose dare we say it the old RWD light at the front end is Teslas 911!
I used to have a signature red p85+ and it was my favourite of them all!
@@RSEV I have a P90DL now. Deffo faster and more planted. But in a more civilised, controlled manner. I think it’s like comparing an E60 M5 to an F10 M5. The E60 being the hooligan!!!
@@RSEV p85+ its the best kept secret, makes no sense on paper but for real world smiles per mile top of the pile totally agree. Ive a Roadster on order since reveal night but it may be too much, most of the performance envelope never usable, just hoping it pulls the EV trick of usable fun no matter what the speed. I run classic super bikes for the same reason 60 mph is fun on classics, my 1000cc sports bikes dont even feel interesting until 120+ thats a recipe for disaster. If you can have something thats fun at 60 mph on real roads maybe thats better than a 250mph top speed?
Great video…you know there are toilets in the garage behind you at Amesbury 😜 I thought you were doing your bottle trick 😂👍
Thanks for the great balanced review of the real world drive. Fingers crossed there will be a standard range model Y. The LFP battery is the way to go, and hopefully less degradation compared to long range cars. I know China are making them for local demand.
Yes I’d save a few £ and have an LFP Y
I own a M3 LR. This is the car I would buy next!!
This is great - that consumption is amazing, my AWD M3 if I go slow in traffic maybe hits 160Wh/km - 256Wh/mile, thanks for following up with a hot battery supercharge, as you point out, combined with the efficiency, it's adding so much range per minute, making it very practical. Having full heated seats and steering wheel as standard means there is little reason not to get the SR+
Constant 120-130Wh/km with me in slow traffic or constant 80-90km/h with AWD 2021.
@@marcusbiller867 interesting - mine is a 2018 non perf - very hard to hit the rated 160 - maybe my right foot is too heavy :)
It's easy to use the acceleration on tap and rui g your consumption l, in the summer I have done a few journeys at 85wh/mi now its winter ill struggle to get under 160 being slow or 240 at 70/80 mph (lr awd awro wheels 2021)
Great videos, in my opinion they are really informative and useful. I would ask how do you think the Polestar 2 Single motor compares to the M3 in terms of consumption?
I love the M3, my problem with it from driving it, is that I find the drivers seat lombar support too noticeable, even when fully deflated, and it makes it uncomfortable for me.
I think it was this video that clinched my decision to order this car… So glad I did!
👏🏼
The "German" Y with the castings and Structural Pack is going to be scary.
Less weight, better pack, better charging curve.
Is that coming in 'SR+' spec? 🤔
@@FFVoyager
I think eventually it will.
Makes sense to me that if they can get the LiFePo4 chemistry into a 4680 cell format, they get the benefit of a single body type, and a single pack structure, which would cut complexity and cost.
The lower density will give a natural performance difference to the "high spec" cells but still gain major benefits compared to the current cars, as I speculated.
Fits with the Tesla "best part is no part" (or no multiple parts) philosophy.
No 10% tarriff, no freight cost across oceans. Though if demand strong may not pass savings on.
@@rogerstarkey5390 The 4680's (when they ever arrive!) are strictly for premium models. CATL is now the go-to battery supplier for LFP in China and US produced cars and BYD will probably be a secondary supplier. It is extremely unlikely that Tesla would ever bother with attempting to implement LFP technology themselves, they simply don't have the decades of experience that the Chinese suppliers do. You have to keep in mind that Tesla, themselves, have near-ZERO real-world experience in battery manufacturing and the 4680 is proving to have a very long development cycle and even when production quantities are possible, there is still the spectre of a handful of failures causing a massive recall. Panasonic has now made over 7 BILLION cells for Tesla!
@@awebuser5914 "they simply don't have the decades of experience that the Chinese suppliers do"
True, I remember in the 1960s we were building electric lawnmowers using premium components from these experienced suppliers.
PS WTF are you on about?
2 points of note, Richard...
1. What an interesting observation you made about the difficulty of finding the black door handles on a dark car at night...! That would honestly NEVER have made it on to my 'radar' about this car... How clever that you brought that up.
And, 2. I don't know if it was your intention, but the 'background' sound during the charging up sequence... it didn't half sound like a bloke having a pee in to a urinal...!! 🤣
Black handles fine on a white one!
Excellent. I’m waiting on my Model 3 Performance… can’t wait!
Thanks for an informative video. A bit more about LiFe(PO4) batteries would be worth explaining. It doesn't use any "precious" metals at all so problems with supply/mining are alleviated. The Model 3 you are driving is made in China, I don't think you said this - some folk are claiming its assembly is rather better quality than those from the USA. It uses the LiFe battery made by CATL, a huge company which makes gigawatt hours of such batteries for buses etc. LiFe batteries have been mostly ignored in regard to BEVs up to now, as the Li-ion battery is more energy dense and has a higher voltage. However, I believe LiFe batteries have so many advantages, particularly in cheaper BEVs, they will ultimately be the norm. Cheaper BEVs manage on 50-60kWh, so they can still be fitted to the smaller cars. That's still a range of around 190-225 miles at 3.7 miles/kWh (300-360 kms at 6 km/kWh - that's what my Leaf gets, and many other BEVs are much the same) which is more than adequate for most purposes. The Tesla is super efficient as you note - rather more so than its rivals.
LiFe batteries can be happily charged to 100%, a great boon, countering their nominal lesser storage capacity, they are more robust and won't go on fire, but their massive advantage is they can be recharged several thousand times, twice or three times that of Li-ion, equivalent to a million miles of motoring or more. The car will fail long before the batteries. Concerns with battery degradation are almost totally absent. They don't tolerate cold so much, reducing power and recharging, OTOH they tolerate heat much better.
The major problem with the Tesla you don't mention is that it is not a hatchback. It easily could be but for some reason Tesla/Musk haven't designed it so. It would be easy to retool its assembly to make saloon and hatchback versions. I hope they do, competition might make this a necessity. A hatchback Model 3 with LiFe batteries would be the perfect BEV. The Model Y will be considerably more expensive, and it's much larger, the Model 3 is already pretty large for UK motoring needs. .
Yes absolutely about bringing out a M3 "hatch" for the rest of us!!! This version would instantly sell all over the world, except perhaps the USA. I think they thought about this when they only had the Model S, which is a hatch pretending to be a saloon unlike the Model 3 being the other way around. I heard also that an expensive patent on LiFe batteries expired in SEP 2021 and this patent was the ONLY reason this chemistry wasn't wide spread outside China (who seldom enforce patents). There is going to be an avalanche of LiFe cars coming from China to Europe / Asia Pacific and eventually USA. My guess is in 10 years, almost all cars will have LiFe and maybe Tesla will do their usual trick of offering "retro fit" LiFe to cars orginally sold with Lion?
Thanks for your efforts on this channel - it's by far one of the better ones I've come across and I appreciate the level of knowledge being shown.
I've today ordered this car - so happy I could skip.
#stopskipping
Can't bloody wait! - speaking of waiting.... delivery is set for May... MAY damnit! - torture.
Damn, that means I'll have to hose money out the window on petrol till then :(
#cry
Terrific review again, REALLY helpful. Wish it didn't have a jittery ride but at least it's a lot better, from all accounts, than the Y. I have a Y LR on order but will probably cancel, once I've driven one, and the 3 SR could be the best alternative. The i4 eDrive40 will be tempting though, even if only for the hatchback boot and ride quality. I suspect Tesla engineers tune suspension for US roads and have no idea how bad ours are. It's interesting that US reviewers never seem to complain about the Y's ride and yet UK reviewers always do (other than Quentin Wilson).
Just remember that there is quite a difference in spec between SR+ and LR (in the UK we can only get AWD LR) - the UK SR+ does not come with front foglight, subwoofer, headline speakers (they are they but not connected) and possibly other things. Its may be a decision based on other things than the drive train... I love my 2019 SR+ but dithered for ages about whether to get the AWD. I am not disappointed with the SR+ but had I realised the difference in standard equipment, I would probably have gone for the AWD. Anyway, whatever one you opt for - it's going to be brilliant!
Greetings from Helsinki. You have great, clear and objective videos👍
Hi Helsinki! Thank you for kind words. Best wishes for 2022
Fantastic review, really good reviewer.
A brilliant video.Just what I wanted to strengthen the idea of buying a TM3 RWD!.Thank You.
I am in Adelaide Australia and just ordered the car you test drove in this report. So glad you say the lower performance is not that noticeable as that has been bothering me. Our fuel cost has just gone through the roof so can’t wait for to arrive but 3 months more before it’s here unfortunately.
Fab video! Cheers!!
Great review waiting for mine to arrive december
Thanks Richard if I get one this is the one that appeals the most very informative and interesting to watch also very professional
I'm still wearing sandals at this time of year. My late Nov LFP SR 3+ is wafting warm air onto the feet within a couple of minutes even though it has been < 10ºC for the last month or so. Inside temp set to 19º. I'm not aware of having set up anything special in the settings. I'm still finding my way about. e.g. just found that this car already has a memory stick that came with it. That's nice as I thought that they were extra.
Charging "accompaniment"......
Was that coffee going in, or coffee coming out? 😉
All I know is, now I need a wee.
I just bought mine yesterday. It's my first Tesla so I can't compare it to another Tesla really .... but for me it is amazing. Only negative comment I have had is when I have people in the backseat... its a bit noisy back there.. atleast that's what they say... But I could not care less... beacause this is the best car I have driven... I charge at home, but I had to test supercharger on the way... mine reached 167 and flattened out on around 133.. amazing...Im in love with it
Interesting and brief, but entertaining nonetheless, thanks as always.
Would love to see some range tests on the LFP SR+ in lower temperatures. Such as -15 C
Here in the US someone did a range test at -11f (-23C) 75mph test (120km) at got 170miles (273km) range with 1% left and thats with the Heat set at low and heated seat with wheel also on low.
That is a great and informative video. I am seriously considering buying a RWD instead of an AWD Model 3 and this video helped towards that decision. Many thanks.
Very interesting one for me, this is. Makes me realise I could easily enjoy the Standard range with LFP battery. I need to rethink my next car then! I’d love one, I really would. I am a tech head anyway so the whole thing about Tesla and superchargers (no way I can charge at home) is just epic 🙂👍🏻
I live in California and Telsa offered the LFP battery for the SR+ in August. I had the “normal” SR+ on order and cancelled the order and got the LFP version. I charge to 100% most times. My original range in September was 255 but it’s dropped to 248 miles probably because of the cold weather. I didn’t get heated steering wheel or back seats. I can up grade the seats for $300 but no option for the steering wheel. I’d rather be able to cool the steering wheel. My efficiency is 237 wh/mi for 3786 miles. 898kwp used.
I have a 2019 SR+ and would happily pay for heated steering wheel if it was an option! I also had the option of enabling the rear seat heaters for a pricey £300 in the UK but just before Xmas I noticed on the app the price had dropped to £180 and snapped them up - so might pay to check occasionally!
Do you think the low wh/mile on the way back was due to the car scavenging heat from the battery from supercharging?
Thank you for displaying the metric equivalent on the screen.
Got one on order but have to wait til August D: I'm so excited thgough!
Will have my model 3 today