Close look at Tesla Model 3 Highland
Today, we get a close look in person at the Tesla Model 3 refresh – aka Model 3 Highland – in Munich for IAA.
The update was officially launched in Europe and Asia last week.
It is not yet available in North America as Tesla is right now only producing it out of Gigafactory Shanghai, and therefore, the new version of the Model 3 is only refreshed where Tesla sells vehicles produced out of China.
We had a chance to see the new Model 3 in person for the first time this week in Munich for IAA.
Tesla is not known for regular presence at car shows, but the automaker decided to show up at IAA with a very understated booth:
But you don’t need an extravagant booth when you have what everyone wants to see, which is the new version of one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the world.
We didn’t have much time with the Model 3 refresh, but we managed to put together a quick video of all the new features (thanks to Micah for filming):
Electrek’s Take
My impression of the new version of the Model 3 in person was good. The exterior design changes are not massive, but they make enough of a difference to be called a “refresh” in my opinion.
I enjoy the slightly more aggressive design and the new wheels, which strike a nice balance between look and aerodynamic performance.
As for the interior, I really like the updated dash. If you weren’t a fan of the dash before, you probably wouldn’t be now either since it is still based on the same minimalist approach – maybe even more minimalist, but I personally like it.
The new steering wheel without stalk is probably the most controversial update. At this point, if you don’t like the change, you are going to have to decide if it’s a dealbreaker for you with Tesla because, after the Model S, Model X, and Model 3, Tesla has made it clear that this is the direction it is going.
Finally, there’s the new rear screen. It is a nice addition, especially for vehicle controls from the back seat. For entertainment, it feels a bit small.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Environment
Genesis Electrified G80 update launches with more range, a roomier interior, and new style
The Genesis Electrified G80 has been upgraded to the flagship level in its latest reboot. Genesis launched the Electrified G80 update in Korea with a roomier interior, more range and features, and a sleek new style.
Genesis unveiled the new luxury electric sedan for the first time at the Busan International Mobility Show (BIMOS) in June.
With its fourth-gen battery (94.5 kWh), the new G80 Electrified now gets up to 295 miles (475 km) range in Korea.
For better drive quality, Genesis improved the front and rear bush specs, added an Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS), and applied active rear-wheel steering (RWS).
The enhanced model features several new exterior design updates. Genesis fine-tuned the existing G80 electric with new bumpers and lamps.
One of the biggest changes is to the signature Genesis crest grille on the front. The new grille features a gradient G-Matrix pattern and a bigger air intake, adding to its already bold design. Genesis added its signature double-line headlamps with Micro Lens Array (MLA) tech.
The charging door, part of the crest grille, now has interior covers and lightning. It also includes electric opening and closing and heating functions.
Meet the new Genesis Electrified G80 update
Genesis extended the G80’s wheelbase by 130 mm to 3,140 mm, elevating it to the flagship level. It also improved the aerodynamics.
The interior is even quieter with a new Active Sound design (e-ASD). Genesis claims it has evolved into a “high-level luxury experience” with advanced tech features.
The longer wheelbase enables best-in-class rear seat comfort. Rear passengers now have 995 mm of legroom, 83 mm more than the previous model. They also have 20 mm more headroom with 950 mm.
At the center is a 27″ OLED infotainment and driver display that can be split into two or three screens. Genesis touched up the center fascia with a new design for an added luxury feel.
The Genesis G80 update gets a new 17-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system and Dolby ATMOS.
Other new features include an interior fingerprint authentication system, a heated front seat console armrest, a passenger seat posture memory system, three-zone air conditioning, and more.
Elevated to the flagship level
Genesis introduced a new “Chauffer Mode” for the first time in an EV and added flagship-level luxury features like VIP rear seats.
The new Chauffer Mode optimizes torque and suspension settings for a smooth and comfortable ride as a flagship model should feel. You can also choose Chauffer Brake Mode for optimized braking.
A Genesis official said the refreshed Electrified G80 is the “most Genesis-like electric vehicle and will provide value as a luxury sedan that does not compromise.”
Other luxury features, such as a one-button easy rear door system, an electric door curtain, and a rear smart entertainment system, make the new Electrified G80 a true flagship vehicle.
The Genesis G80 update starts at around $66,900 (89.19 million won) in Korea before incentives.
The new Genesis Electrified G80 is expected to arrive in Europe and North America following its launch in Korea.
In the US, the 2024 Genesis Electrified G80 starts at $74,375 and has an EPA-estimated 282-mile range. The updated model will likely get a slight range boost to around 290 miles.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Toyota and Nissan are among several Japanese companies that will invest $7 billion (1 trillion yen) to boost the nation’s EV battery output. The Japanese government will help as it aims to establish a domestic supply chain while moving away from China and South Korea, which currently dominate the market.
Japan has been seen as one of the biggest laggards as the industry shifts to all-electric. Sales of domestic EVs fell 39% in the first half of the year.
According to the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association, domestic passenger EV sales totaled 29,282 through June 2024, down 39% from last year. Electric vehicle share of passenger vehicle sales slipped 0.7% from the first half of 2023 to 1.6%.
A big reason is due to the lack of options. A Japan Automobile Importers Association (JAIA) spokesperson told Argus that foreign brands are taking Japan’s EV market by storm.
Foreign automakers like China’s BYD offer a “wider variety of models than domestic manufacturers,” the spokesperson explained.
BYD’s passenger car imports surged 184% in the first half of 2024. Although only 980 BYD models were imported, BYD is gaining a foothold as new models hit the market.
After launching its first EV, the Atto 3, in Japan last January, BYD has introduced other top-selling models, including the Dolphin and, most recently, the Seal.
BYD launched the Seal EV in Japan in June, with starting prices around $33,100 (¥5.28 million).
China’s BYD can launch low-cost EVs as it controls nearly its entire supply chain. BYD is the second largest EV battery maker globally, behind CATL.
Toyota, Nissan to ramp up Japan’s EV battery output
As Japan looks to secure an EV battery supply chain, domestic companies, including Toyota and Nissan, are investing heavily.
According to Nikkei, Toyota and Nissan are among several Japanese companies that will invest a total of $7 billion (1 trillion yen) to boost storage battery production by about 50%.
The funding would ramp up output to 120 GWh, up from 80 GWh. By 2030, the goal is to reach 150 GWh. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry will soon announce up to $2.44 billion (350 billion yen) to support the efforts.
As the report notes, with China and South Korea dominating the EV battery market, Japan aims to secure a stable supply.
Toyota is expected to invest around $1.7 billion (250 billion yen) with plans to ramp battery production at two subsidiaries. Toyota is also opening a new EV battery plant to supply upcoming Lexus EVs, slated to open by 2029.
Nissan will invest about $1 billion (150 billion yen) with plans to begin LFP battery production in 2028.
Japan’s Panasonic will build EV battery parts for Subaru and Mazda as it teams up with them to boost domestic production. It’s expected to invest around $3.8 billion (550 billion yen).
According to new data from SNE Research, China is still dominating the global EV battery market. CATL controlled a commanding 37.6% market share through July 2024, while BYD took second with a 16.1% share.
South Korea’s LG Energy Solution and SK On placed third and fourth, with 12.4% and 4.7% market share.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports5 months agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports10 months agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Environment1 year agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Sports3 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Environment1 year agoTesla advances Powerwall pilot project with German electric company