Recently, Tesla has filed regulatory documents in China for a new version of the Model 3, which may turn out to be the longest-range vehicle under the brand. Informally known as the Model 3+, the new model will be sold with an estimated 800 km (approximately 497 miles) range under CLTC. This will be a significant upgrade over the current Model 3 Long Range AWD, with a top CLTC range of 713 km in China.
The car should include one electric motor in the rear position, codenamed 3D6, which will generate 225 kW (302 horsepower). This is the same motor that is in the recently upgraded base Model 3 RWD, which has received kudos regarding its efficiency and refinement.
Although Tesla has not named this variant and not officially launched it, the information was revealed through a Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) registration, the usual regulatory process of the motor vehicle in China, which aims at production and sales.
High-Energy LG Battery Pack Behind the Extended Range
One of the reasons that makes the range so long includes the application of the ternary lithium-ion battery cells produced by LG Energy Solution, or so-called NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) chemistry. NMC batteries are normally used in long-range cars because they are expected to have a higher energy density than LFP (lithium iron phosphate) packs in the standard-range models.
Though precise battery capacity numbers were not specified in the filing, the anticipated energy and the enhanced aerodynamic efficiency of the upgraded Model 3 point to a battery pack that is probably in the 78-82kWh range.
When the estimated 800 km of CLTC real-world driving range is correct, the Model 3+ will still have a driving range of more than 600 km (~370 miles) using a WLTP or an EPAT cycle, thus remaining an interesting choice among EV enthusiasts and other long-distance drivers.
🔥🇨🇳 Tesla has filed to launch a new Model 3 variant in China, potentially equivalent to a Long Range RWD:
➡️ ~800 km of range (CLTC)
➡️ Single-motor 3D6, delivering 225 kW
➡️ LG NMC battery pack pic.twitter.com/4mvzU0rVcf— Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) July 16, 2025
Familiar Design, New Performance
Despite the upgraded internals, the Model 3+ keeps the same size as the current Model 3:
- Length 4,720 mm
- Width: 1,848 mm
- Height: 1,442 mm
- Wheelbase 2,875 mm
- Curb Weight: 1,760 kgs
The speed is also at 200 km/h, matching other rear-drive configurations by Tesla. Nevertheless, the 225 kW power output may render it significantly faster than the base RWD Model 3, which is equipped with a less potent 194 kW motor presently.
The specification puts the Model 3+ in position as a potential replacement for the now-discontinued Long Range RWD that many fans believed to be the most efficient Model 3 of all time.
Tesla’s Strategic Push in China
The new variant highlights Tesla’s strategic move to diversify its portfolio to satisfy the growing competitive pressures exerted on the Chinese electric vehicle market. China is the largest EV market not just in the world, but it also has such strong domestic rivals as BYD, Xiaomi, NIO, and XPeng rolling out cars with longer range capabilities.
The upcoming long-range, rear-wheel-drive Model 3 seems to be aimed at people who are conscious about their budgets but would also like to have the range and performance without the unnecessary complication and the wallet drain of a dual-motor configuration.
Diversified supply chain, which may also assist Tesla to cost-roll out and lessen its dependency on a single provider of batteries, is also implied by the use of LG batteries.
