He Tesla Model 3 Highland, which could be presented in the coming weeks, continues to be seen in Shanghai, where Tesla would have already started production. Now, and just a few days after dozens of models parked in the Asian city’s Gigafactory were captured, a blogger Chinese has been able to photograph this model in the streets while the company was apparently conducting roadside temperature tests.
The images, unfortunately, do not reveal important details about the design of the new Model 3 Highland, since the vehicles maintain the camouflage canvas that the company installs to avoid leaks. Yes, it is possible to see how the front headlights they are slightly different from the Model 3s we know of so far. They actually have a design more similar to that of the Model S.
In the photographs, in addition, it can be seen how one of the drivers holds a conventional steering wheel, despite rumors that the Model 3 Highland would arrive with a yoke steering wheel. It’s not clear if, when the vehicle is released, Tesla will allow a choice between the two types of steering wheels, as it does with the Model S and Model X.
The Tesla Model 3 Highland would be cheaper than other generations
In addition to the images, new details about the manufacture and prices of this new Model 3 Highland have also emerged. According to the Asian portal 36krTesla would have already started test production with the aim of delivering the first models at the end of September. The price of this new model, in addition, would oscillate around 200,000 yuan (27,400 dollars).; a considerably lower cost than the current Model 3, where in China it sells for 231,000 yuan (about $31,800).
Precisely, one of the main novelties of this Tesla Model 3 Highland, is its lower cost of production, which could bring with it a lower sale price compared to other generations of the same vehicle. Tesla, specifically, will use a manufacturing process called Gigacasting, where it uses machinery that allows larger parts to be created in order to reduce components. This, in turn, improves production line times and makes manufacturing cheaper.
The Tesla Model 3 Highland, on the other hand, could come with a M3P battery manufactured by CATL. This will offer better energy density and better behavior during charging, allowing the vehicle to reach up to 700 km of autonomy.