In a video shared Thursday by YouTube channel RSymons RSEV, we can see some of the subtle differences in production and paint changes from US-built Model 3 units compared to those made in China (MIC).
The video’s host takes a deep look at the paint jobs of each set of vehicles, measuring them against each other and comparing the differences.
The first major test performed in the video is checking on each Tesla Model 3 unit’s paint thickness and comparing them with each other, using a paint thickness gauge meter.
In particular, the host mentions that some of the made-in-China Model 3 units have a little bit thinner paint, with the exception of the lower part of the body panel, which the host finds to be thicker than the same panel on the USA Model 3 unit.
Later in the video, the host also talks to Jake, an expert in auto detailing, to speak to some of the paint and paneling quality of the MIC Model 3.
While Tesla has faced quality control issues, even facing a lawsuit in Canada due to a Model 3’s paint job, the company’s CEO Elon Musk has also spoken to the sheer difficulty in scaling production of cars from scratch.
You can watch the full Tesla Model 3 paint thickness breakdown below, for those curious:
