The report, as translated by Google Translate, states: "It is reported that Tesla’s facelifted Model 3 has already started trial production and it is expected to start mass production in September and start deliveries in October. Compared with previous expectations, this progress has been advanced. According to the estimated cost of components, the guide price of this new car is around 200,000 yuan, and it will use the 66 kWh M3P battery provided by Ningde Times. It is understood that the M3P battery may be mainly used purely with lithium manganese iron phosphate. With the early trial production of the Model 3, lithium manganese iron phosphate is expected to accelerate the release of capacity."
The agreement renewal from 2021 confirms that Ningde Times, a subsidiary of CATL, will continue to supply Tesla with lithium-ion batteries until the conclusion of 2025.
As customary with information concerning Tesla, verifying such details is intricate due to the company's lack of a media relations department. However, if the JRJ report holds true, it could provide the missing link to the puzzle initiated by the postponed delivery estimates for the European-bound Model 3 units.
As previously disclosed, Tesla's official website currently estimates fulfillment of new Model 3 orders for rear-wheel drive and long-range variants between October and November at the earliest. Performance builds are scheduled for delivery between November 2023 and January 2024. It's important to note that these estimates pertain exclusively to left-hand drive units. Concurrently, right-hand drive Model 3s are expected to commence delivery this month, in accordance with Tesla's website.
Project Highland's development has been underway since Q2 2022. Evidently, the revamped Model 3 will feature a redesigned front, fresh tail lights, Tesla's new Hardware 4.0 Autopilot computer, and a reimagined interior, as discerned from various online spy shots.
Source: JRJ via liuwen_52
