Skip to main content

Tesla Says Goodbye To The Base Model 3 RWD In The U.S.: Now Just Long Range And Performance Versions Available

Tesla has discontinued sales of its Model 3 RWD base model version with LFP batteries in the U.S. Currently, only the long range versions and the performance Model 3 are available.
Tesla Says Goodbye To The Base Model 3 RWD In The U.S.: Now Just Long Range And Performance Versions Available

Tesla discontinued sales of its Model 3 RWD version with LFP batteries in the U.S. There are now three versions of the Model 3 for sale, and they are:

  • Model 3 long range - rear-wheel drive for $42,490
  • Model 3 long range - all-wheel-drive for $47,490
  • Model 3 performance for $54,990

This change makes sense to me as the Model 3 RWD wasn't that much lower than the long range read-wheel-drive with 363 miles of range. The base model had 272 miles of range, and that's almost 100 miles of difference.

Tesla also gets its LFP batteries from China, and that could be playing a role too.

LFP batteries are a fine battery and can be charged to 100% more efficiently and for more longevity than the other battery chemistries.

I suppose my 2022 Model 3 RWD with LFP batteries is a collector's item now. It's also possible that Tesla brings back LFP batteries, once they can build and source them here in the U.S.

My car has 256.1 miles of range right now, a 6% degradation after just over 2 years. That's better than the 10% that typically occurs after the first year owning a Tesla.

I'm on pace for 5 miles of degradation per year, however, it also appears that degradation slows down after the first few years. I'll continue to track my car's range and battery life over time.

Will Tesla Bring IT Back?

Tesla will bring back the Model 3 RWD with LFP batteries in the U.S. if a better battery chemistry becomes available and Tesla can build the batteries in the U.S.

It's also possible that Tesla is doing a refresh of this particular variant and has simply taken it off its website. Tesla did this for the Model 3 performance as well and eventually, it was back on the website.

In some way, I will be happy if Tesla doesn't bring this version back because it will make my car a collector's item. On the other hand, I will wonder what to do if I keep my car for a long time, and it needs a new battery way down the road in over a decade. My guess is that I'll never reach that point - I would need to put hundreds of thousands of miles on my car.

Sawyer Merritt On X Said The Following:

A few days ago, the Biden administration raised tariffs on Chinese EVs imported to the U.S. to 100% (from 25%) and on lithium-ion batteries and battery parts to 25% (from 7.5%).

While the Model 3 RWD was built in California, it used a Chinese LFP battery, so it didn't quality for the $7,500 Fed EV credit.

The 363-mile range Model 3 Long Range RWD did, so most people likely opted for that trim instead. Combine these two factors, and this is why Tesla discontinued the Model 3 RWD.

Did Tesla simply get rid of the Model 3 RWD, or is it doing a refresh and will bring it back?

Share this article with friends and family and on social media - or leave a comment below. You can view my most recent articles here for further reading. I am also on X/Twitter where I post more than just articles daily, as well as LinkedIn! Thank you so much for your support!

Want a Tesla and $1,000 off? Be sure to use my referral code.

Hi! I'm Jeremy Noel Johnson, and I am a Tesla investor and supporter and own a 2022 Model 3 RWD EV and I don't have range anxiety :). I enjoy bringing you breaking Tesla news as well as anything about Tesla or other EV companies I can find, like Aptera. Other interests of mine are AI, Tesla Energy and the Tesla Bot! You can follow me on X.COM or LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow my Tesla and EV news coverage.

Image Credit: Tesla, Screenshot

Article Reference: Tesla

Auto Sector Stocks
Automotive News
Electric Vehicle News and Reviews
Tesla
Tesla Model 3