Tesla Model 3 Highland Project in production - deliveries to start in September

22 August 2023

Tesla is gearing up to start delivering the revamped Model 3 in China at the rbd of next month. The facelifted version is yet to get an official announcement, but all signs point to that.

Over at Tesla's Giga Shanghai, there's been some sneakiness afoot. Mysterious fully covered vehicles are popping up in the factory’s logistics lot, hidden behind a tall fence. There is no doubt this is the new Model 3, which insiders nicknamed the "Project Highland."

On the production side of things, Tesla's Shanghai factory has been a hub of activity. After initially shutting down the phase 1 battery production line, it’s all hands on deck now. The phase 1 battery factory, even though it's the eldest of the three, can churn out between 3,000-4,000 battery packs weekly. The newer counterparts, phases 2 and 2.2, can each produce about 10,000. Combine their powers, and you get a whopping 100,000 battery packs monthly.

Last month, Tesla sweetened the deal by slicing off RMB 14,000 ($1,920) from two higher-end Model Y versions and rolled out an RMB 8,000 insurance subsidy for the entry-level Model 3. However, despite these price cuts and incentives, it seems the allure of the "next best thing" is too strong to resist.

The Model 3 is expected to flaunt new headlights, a redesigned front fascia, and updated taillights. The vehicle might also boast an enhanced camera setup tailored for Tesla's latest Hardware 4.0 driver assistance system computer. As for the inside, it'll feature a new dashboard and door cards with ambient lighting. September can’t come quick enough.

Via