Tesla has altered the 0-100 km/h acceleration specification for its Shanghai-produced Model 3 Premium RWD, priced at 39,490 CAD (28,680 USD) in Canada, in less than three weeks. The vehicle now requires 6.2 seconds to accelerate, two seconds slower than the 4.2 seconds Tesla advertised upon its launch on 1/5.
A series of specification changes
When Tesla introduced the new Model 3 Premium RWD in Canada in early May, its listed specifications included: a 463 km range, a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.2 seconds, and a maximum DC charging power of 250 kW.
The 39,490 CAD price marked a record low for the Model 3 in Canada, largely due to imports from the Giga Shanghai factory under a new 6.1% tariff agreement with China.
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The Model 3's acceleration specifications on Tesla's Canada website after two revisions. *Screenshot*. |
By 3/5, Tesla quietly adjusted the acceleration time to 5.2 seconds, attributing the initial 4.2-second figure to a "website error". The charging speed was also reduced from 250 kW to 175 kW, and the battery warranty period decreased from 192,000 km to 160,000 km.
In a subsequent revision on 19/5, the acceleration time displayed was 6.2 seconds. The reason provided was "confusion".
Why is the car slower than initially stated?
The 6.2-second time aligns with the specification Tesla publishes for the Model 3 Standard RWD in Europe and other markets receiving the same Shanghai-produced variant equipped with an LFP battery. This suggests 6.2 seconds is likely the accurate figure.
The Model 3 Premium RWD version sold in Canada utilizes rear-wheel drive, differing from previous Model 3s produced in Fremont, US, for the Canadian market. It features Tesla's 3D7 motor, offering 260 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque, compared to the earlier 3D6 motor's 295 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque.
This motor, combined with LFP battery technology, which has a lower peak discharge rate than NMC batteries, results in significantly slower acceleration. LFP batteries are cheaper and more durable, which explains the 39,490 CAD price, but performance is a trade-off, according to Electrek.
Consumer reaction
These frequent updates to specifications have drawn criticism from some buyers who placed orders based on the initial advertised details. While acceleration may not be every customer's primary concern, a two-second difference in acceleration performance is notable.
For customers dissatisfied with the performance changes, Tesla offers the option to cancel their order and receive a refund of their deposit before vehicle delivery.
Whether the latest 6.2-second figure will be the final one remains unclear. After multiple revisions in a few weeks, some buyers may be questioning if other technical specifications will be updated before vehicles are delivered early next month.
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