Tesla has unveiled its longest-range vehicle to date for the Chinese market: the Model 3 Long Range RWD, offering up to 830 km of driving range under the CLTC cycle. This extended-range version has a starting price of 269,500 yuan (approximately $37,950) in China, with first deliveries scheduled for September 2025.
Key highlights
Longest-range Tesla to date: With a CLTC-rated range of up to 830 km, it tops Tesla’s current lineup in official range figures.
Drivetrain and performance: Single-motor rear-wheel drive setup; 0–100 km/h acceleration in 5.2 seconds.
Pricing: 269,500 yuan (~$37.5–38k), positioned between the Standard Range (235,500 yuan) and Long Range AWD (285,500 yuan) versions in China.
Range depending on wheels: Between 800 and 830 km, depending on the wheel/tire configuration.
CLTC vs. WLTP and EPA: what does 830 km really mean?
The figure is based on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), which tends to produce more optimistic range estimates compared to the WLTP (Europe) and EPA (US) cycles due to its higher proportion of low-speed, urban driving. As a result, the 830 km figure would likely translate to a lower rating under WLTP or EPA standards.
Positioning within the lineup and other updates
Tesla China announced that all Model 3 variants have received range improvements alongside this launch. The new Long Range RWD stands out as the version with the highest official range in the lineup.
Battery and efficiency details
Reports following the Chinese launch suggest this variant features higher energy density and improved battery management compared to previous Model 3 versions, with an estimated total pack capacity of around 78 kWh. Until Tesla releases the official specifications, these numbers should be considered preliminary.
Value in the price–range equation
Offering over 800 km of rated range for about $38,000 strengthens the Model 3’s position in China’s increasingly competitive mid-to-upper EV segment. Considering that the Standard Range Model 3 starts at 235,500 yuan with a CLTC rating of 634 km (following recent range upgrades), the Long Range RWD delivers a strong price-to-range ratio.
Who is it for?
Long-distance drivers: The high rated range allows for fewer charging stops on intercity trips.
Efficiency-focused buyers: Single-motor RWD setups typically offer lower consumption and better range than dual-motor AWD.
Balanced choice seekers: Ideal for those who want more range without paying for AWD performance.
Will it reach global markets?
For now, this variant is exclusive to China. Tesla often tailors battery packs and configurations to meet market-specific regulations and testing standards (WLTP/EPA), so it remains uncertain whether this version will be introduced in Europe or North America.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (830 km CLTC) refreshes the brand’s promise of “long range at an accessible price.” While the CLTC figure may not directly reflect real-world performance under EPA/WLTP cycles, for Chinese customers it offers a compelling balance of price and range, making it the new range leader in Tesla’s lineup.
