Tesla's New Model 3 'Highland' Nears Production: Spotted in Testing in China

A fleet of Tesla Model 3 "Highland" vehicles caught the spotlight as they underwent high-temperature testing in Xinjiang today, hinting at their potential journey towards production and initial deliveries by the close of September.

The Model 3 "Highland" represents Tesla's upgraded iteration of the popular mass-market sedan introduced in 2017. Tesla embarked on a redesign of the Model 3's appearance last year, with leaked images revealing a fresh frontal look marked by new headlights, a revised front end, and other enhancements such as updated wheels.

While initial signs pointed to a U.S. release, considering indications from Tesla's Fremont Factory in Northern California where early development transpired last summer, it's now clear that China is poised to be the pioneer market for the Highland Model 3. Further substantiating this notion, Tesla's Model 3 Highland units were spotted undergoing high-temperature testing in Xinjiang, as reported by CarNewsChina, with insider images as evidence.

Tesla's rigorous high-temperature testing regime is not new, as it subjects its vehicles to strenuous conditions for thorough evaluation. In May, the company showcased its lineup undergoing extreme high-temperature tests in the United Arab Emirates, subjecting the EV models to temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This procedure serves to stabilize battery chemistry, assess energy efficiency, and evaluate the drivetrain, motors, and cooling systems for occupants.

MODEL 3 HIGHLAND COMING SOON

As the delivery timeline approaches, reports suggest that Tesla is gearing up for an intensive delivery phase of the Model 3 Highland by the end of September. Chinese media outlet 36kr, along with a prior report from Bloomberg earlier this month, corroborates this timeline. Bloomberg stated that showroom models would be transported "in the latter part of August," followed by mass production and a ramp-up starting on September 30.

China's competitive EV landscape has prompted Tesla to position its new Model 3 Highland strategically. This iteration is anticipated to invigorate Tesla's sales performance in China, where the market is saturated with a multitude of electric vehicle contenders that rival not only the Model 3 but also the broader spectrum of Tesla's vehicle lineup.

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