Twitter user and Tesla enthusiast Chris Zheng (@ChrisZheng001) on Saturday shared a rumor claiming that the Model 3 and Model Y will get a major upgrade sometime next year.
It looks like the Tesla Model 3/Y will be followed by a massive update.
– The RWD version will have two new batteries, the LFP blade battery and the M3P material battery, with a spec of around 70 kWh.
– The AWD and Perf versions will have the 4680 battery, spec not known.
— Chris Zheng (@ChrisZheng001) September 18, 2022
Citing unnamed supply chain sources, Zheng said Tesla plans to bump the Real-Wheel Drive (RWD) trims of both electric vehicles (EVs) up to two new batteries — lithium iron phosphate (LFP) ‘Blade’ batteries from China’s BYD and Model 3 Performance batteries — with a rated capacity of about 70 kWh. In comparison, the Model 3 RWD and Model Y RWD currently feature a 50 kWh and 55 kWh battery, respectively.
In addition, Tesla reportedly plans to upgrade the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Performance trims of the Model 3 and Model Y to its next-generation 4680 battery cells in a structural pack.
The automaker is already manufacturing cars with 4680 batteries at its Gigafactories in Berlin and Texas. However, these changes will be applicable worldwide, Zheng said in response to a question.
Zheng noted that this update is not 100% confirmed. He went on to add that Tesla also plans to replace the engineering plastic components of the interior with “natural hemp fibers for the same structural strength, higher cost and lighter weight.”
According to the rumor, the planned upgrade will be known as “Autopilot Hardware 4.0.” As always, take these rumors with a grain of salt.
