The Tesla Model 3 is the long-awaited rival to the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Although it has officially entered production—in very small numbers—Tesla hasn’t been completely forthcoming with official specifications. However, a new document from the EPA has provided some context.
According to documents filed with the EPA, first discovered by Inside EVs, the Tesla Model 3 boasts an 80.5 kWh battery to achieve an EPA-estimated 310 miles of range. Note, this is for Tesla’s “Long Range” Model 3 variant, which carries a $44,000 MSRP. The EPA-estimate for the 220-mile range Model 3, which starts at $35,000, remains unknown, and that car hasn’t actually entered production yet.
As well as EPA range estimates, the document reveals that the Model 3 produces 258 horsepower in this configuration and weighs 3,837 pounds sans driver. For a little comparison, the $36,620 Bolt EV utilizes a 60 kWh battery, which propels the electric drivetrain for 238 EPA-estimated miles. Additionally, it makes 200 hp and 266 pound-feet of torque, and has a curb weight of a lesser 3,580 lbs.
It will be interesting to see how the lower-range Model 3 compares to the Bolt EV in the real world. Obviously, the longer-range Model 3 outguns it, and its price reflects the fact.
General Motors may not be resting for long. A previous report states Buick may be on deck to receive its own electric car based on the Bolt EV. It will feature more premium materials and a more striking design to differentiate it from its Chevrolet cousin, should the report turn out to be true. Moreover, with the added heat from Tesla, we wouldn’t be surprised to see some range improvements out of the Bolt EV as its product life cycle continues, along with other enhancements.
Comments
I’m guessing the low range Model 3 will use the same battery and it will just be locked out similar to what they’ve done with the Model S battery. Allowing the customer to upgrade/unlock the additionally capacity at a later date if they choose, for a cost
That is a method to save money because the energy and time to mount the battery cost the same for both capacities. This isn’t a new idea, though. IBM sold “zSeries” mainframes with full memory installed, but used special hardware code to enable what the customer paid for. Thus upgrading the memory just needed a microcode applied to the controller by the CSE (Customer Service Engineer) on the customer’s site.
I wish GM would learn one thing from Tesla – don’t abandon current owners! Give me the option of upgrading to a more dense battery pack when one becomes available… I would do this now for my 2014 Volt. I’ve leased my 2017 Bolt simply because I know GM won’t ever give me the option of upgrading so by leasing I can get a next-gen (or MCE) Bolt in 3 years but I would have rather bought and upgraded later. In a time when GM wants to reduce leasing action this would be a simple way to help that… drive me to buy because you’re not forgetting me once I drive off the lot!
80.5 kWh for a 310 mile range is 3.85 miles per kWH. The 2017 Chevy Bolt EV has a 60 kWh battery for a EPA rated 238 mile range, or 3.96 miles per kWh. Many Bolt EV owner has passed 280 miles under ordinary use, and some have passed 300 miles for a much better 5 mile per kWh. That Model 3 may have more range but uses more energy to do so, just like a regular gas engine car with a bigger gas tank may travel a bit more than a hybrid with a smaller tank.
Tesla’s Model 3 has 258 hp vs the Chevy Bolt’s 200 hp; but this is due to the difference in personality of the two electric vehicles as Tesla wants to give it’s driver a sports car response which wasn’t the objective of Chevrolet engineers as there’s no doubt they could have fitted the Bolt with a more powerful electric motor.
GM being first first to market wasn’t a good thing as it gives rivals a benchmark to surpass.
GM made a great car that nonetheless looks unappealing. As for Volt I don’t think the average buyer understands benefit of the back up fas motor.
GM it’s a horrible messenger. Unlike Ford , Toyota and Chrysler they are poor engaging customers.
Makes me feel all giddy inside that we have auto mfg’s competing on price, range, and performance with EV’s. Would have made my dad(a Biophysicist and an irrepressible Gearhead) very satisfied with his predictions in the early to mid-50’s about electric cars and the need for them and rapid transit to help with control of pollution.
We built an electric gokart with a 6-volt Hudson starter powered by two truck 6-volt batteries hooked in a series for 12-volts. That little cart would out run the gas ones while smoking the tires all the way around the track. Pure fun and it always started.