Tesla isn’t one of those automakers that frequently releases physical upgrades for their vehicles. The company’s electrical products are constantly being improved via over-the-air software updates but it looks like a major upgrade is coming for one of its best-selling models. The Model 3, which has been on the market for about five years now, will reportedly make some important changes to make it more appealing to customers.
Reuters has a new report claiming the redesign uses the internal code name Highland and that the focus is on reducing complexity inside the Model 3. Tesla’s main goal is to reduce production costs – and hopefully, lower the sticker price – but the manufacturer isn’t limiting its efforts to just production side of the EV sedan. Citing information from “four knowledgeable people”, the publication said that an overhaul will also be made to some of the features in the cabin.
Apart from that, some minor visual tweaks could also be made to keep the Model 3 looking fresh for the next four or five years on the market. Tesla did a similar facelift for the Model S, which got a new, sleeker front fascia when it was given a mid-cycle boost in April 2016. Among the upgrades are new comfort features, such as heated and ventilated front seats and a medical chair. HEPA grade air filter, as well as two new wood trim options. We hope EV automakers follow a similar recipe with the smaller, more in-demand Model 3 sedan.
The most interesting information from Reuters‘ However, the report seems to be a fact that the article suggests that the Model 3 may also receive an aircraft-inspired yoke instead of the traditional steering wheel. This is what the Model S got with last year’s updates and Reuters sure Tesla can continue down this path without, however, having confirmation from the company.
The facelifted Model 3 will reportedly start production at Tesla’s Shanghai factory in the third quarter of this year. Logically, Tesla’s Freemont factory would also have the revamped electric sedan on the production line, although it’s not known when production in California will begin.
