Tesla has reportedly started offering a retrofit option for select Model 3 vehicles, offering an upgrade to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs along with enhanced rear springs and dampers.
This update is aimed at models originally equipped with the 2170 battery packs. Notably, the retrofit is said to improve 0-60 mph acceleration times, according to a letter shared online by Tesla owner Warren on X. We have yet to see others share a similar letter from Tesla Service. Pricing is unknown for this upgrade.
Tesla offers a LFP pack retrofit (for select model 3’s) with upgraded rear springs and dampers! It even increases your 0-60! pic.twitter.com/Vj9Txcm4nz
— Warren (@Warren_pr1) March 8, 2024
First introduced in the Model 3 in 2020 from Giga Shanghai, Tesla’s LFP battery technology was extended to the North American market by 2021 with the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD); previously the Model 3 Standard Range Plus (SR+) used 2170 cell battery packs.
Tesla’s apparent offer allows standard range Model 3 owners to replace their high-voltage (HV) batteries with the latest LFP technology. This battery type, currently used in new standard range Model 3s, promises several benefits, including increased range and optimized energy capacity retention over time. It supports charging up to 100% daily, a significant improvement over the 80% recommendation for the previous battery technology.
One noted downside is the added weight of the LFP battery, potentially increasing the 0 to 60 mph acceleration time by approximately 0.5 seconds. However, the alleged letter from Tesla Service ensures that vehicle dynamics remain optimal by upgrading the suspension springs and dampers, in addition to performing a 4-wheel alignment as part of the retrofit process.
