Range, efficiency, charging comparison: Standard Range LFP v pre Heat Pump Long Range Tesla Model 3

Summary

In this video, Richard compares the efficiency and real-world range of two Tesla Model 3s: a 2019 long-range version and a 2022 standard range with a heat pump and LFP battery. They test both cars in cold, damp UK weather to see if the newer standard range can match the long-range model's performance. The test includes a 170-mile journey and a charging speed comparison, revealing the surprising efficiency of the standard range car despite its smaller battery.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The video compares the real-world range difference between a pre-heat pump Tesla Model 3 Long Range and a post-2021 heat pump Standard Range.
• 🔋 The Long Range model has a dual motor, bigger battery, and 4-wheel drive, while the Standard Range model is noted for its efficiency with a 60 kWh LFP battery.
• 📈 The test involves charging the cars to their recommended daily limits (90% for the Long Range and 100% for the Standard Range) and then driving them in cold, damp weather to assess efficiency.
• 🌡️ The video highlights the impact of cold weather on the cars' efficiency and battery conditioning, with the Standard Range model showing better efficiency despite the weather conditions.
• ⚡ The charging process is also compared, with the Standard Range model charging slightly quicker due to its smaller battery size, despite starting with a lower state of charge.
• 🛣️ The journey covered is approximately 170 miles, and the cars' efficiency is measured throughout the trip, with the Standard Range model outperforming the Long Range model in this test.
• 🔄 Preconditioning of the battery is used to warm it up for optimal performance, with the Long Range model using more energy for this process during the journey.
• 📊 The video provides detailed efficiency data, showing that the Standard Range model has a significantly lower energy consumption per mile compared to the Long Range model.
• 🚧 The test acknowledges that the Long Range model's 19-inch Sport Wheels may have reduced its efficiency compared to the 18-inch Aero Wheels on the Standard Range model.
• 🔄 The video also notes an oversight where Sentry Mode was left on in one of the cars overnight, resulting in a 6% battery loss, but this is accounted for in the efficiency calculations.
• 🏁 In conclusion, the video finds that the Standard Range model is more efficient and can travel just as far for the same battery percentage, despite having a slower recharging speed.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to compare the real-world range and efficiency differences between a Tesla Model 3 Long Range and a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range with a heat pump and LFP battery.

What are the key differences between the two Tesla Model 3s being compared in the video?

The key differences include the presence of a heat pump and LFP battery in the Standard Range model, the Long Range model having a dual motor, a larger battery, and 4-wheel drive capabilities.

What is the significance of the heat pump and LFP battery in the newer Tesla Model 3s?

The heat pump and LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery are significant as they contribute to increased efficiency and potentially longer range in the newer Tesla Model 3s.

What was the plan for testing the efficiency of the two Tesla Model 3s?

The plan was to charge both cars to their recommended daily charge limits, drive them in cold and damp weather conditions, and compare their efficiency over a journey of approximately 170 miles.

Why was preconditioning turned off during part of the journey?

Preconditioning was turned off to prevent the use of additional battery power for the entire journey, allowing for a more accurate comparison of the cars' efficiency without the extra energy consumption from preconditioning.

What was the impact of Sentry mode on the battery percentage overnight?

The Sentry mode was left on by mistake, causing a 6% loss in battery percentage overnight due to the car's systems being active.

How did the weather conditions affect the efficiency of the Tesla Model 3s during the test?

The cold, damp, and wet weather conditions required increased climate control activity, which cost 0.9% of the trip's energy, affecting the overall efficiency of both cars.

What was the difference in efficiency between the two Tesla Model 3s after the test?

The Standard Range Tesla Model 3 showed better efficiency with 314 W hours per mile compared to the Long Range model's 340 W hours per mile.

How did the charging speeds of the two Tesla Model 3s compare after the test?

Although the Long Range model started charging at a higher rate, the Standard Range model charged quicker overall due to its smaller battery size and less energy consumption.

What additional insights are provided about the Tesla Model 3s in the video?

The video provides insights into the cars' efficiency in real-world conditions, the impact of different features like the heat pump and Sentry mode, and the comparison of charging speeds and efficiencies between the two models.