Tesla Adds More Power And Range to Model 3 & Model Y

Tesla has rolled out a quiet but notable upgrade to its Long Range variants of the Model 3 and Model Y in China, bringing improvements to both range and performance just as the second half of 2025 begins. These changes come amid increasing competition in the EV space, particularly from local Chinese automakers like Xiaomi and XPeng.

The Model 3 Long Range AWD now offers 753km of range on the CLTC cycle, up from 713km previously, a boost of more than 5.4%. This range upgrade hints at a possible battery update, although Tesla has yet to confirm specifics.

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The performance has also seen a significant jump, with acceleration from 0 to 100km/h now clocking in at 3.8 seconds, trimmed down from 4.4 seconds. This puts it in a territory previously reached only through Tesla’s optional Acceleration Boost, which in Australia costs $3,000 and doesn’t affect range.

The Model Y Long Range AWD has also received a similar treatment. The updated model now claims 750km of range, a 4.4% increase over the previous 719km. Its 0–100km/h time has improved from 4.8 to 4.3 seconds.

These tweaks are intended to make the Model Y more competitive, especially at a time when multiple new mid-size electric SUVs are preparing to hit the Chinese market.

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These updates were quietly shared by Tesla on its official Weibo page, noting the improved specs and describing the new Model Y as ready for long-distance driving. It’s worth noting that this announcement came shortly after Xiaomi’s YU7 SUV launched in China, which quickly secured hundreds of thousands of orders. While Xiaomi’s demand was impressive, their ability to deliver within a reasonable timeframe remains uncertain, with reports suggesting deliveries could take up to a year.

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Tesla, by contrast, is in a position to offer near-immediate delivery on its upgraded models. This availability could play in Tesla’s favour, especially as rival EV makers such as XPeng, Nio and Li Auto prepare to release their own new models targeting the same mid-size SUV market.

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With the landscape heating up and new entries arriving almost monthly, these recent performance and range boosts could help Tesla stay ahead. For how long, however, will depend on how quickly it can scale innovation across more segments, including its long-rumoured affordable EV.