In 2019, the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus made waves as it arrived in Australia, marking an early step in the country’s EV adoption. Having owned a 2019 model from that initial shipment and then upgrading to a 2021 version after 45,000 kilometers, I’ve had a unique opportunity to experience the evolution firsthand. For those considering entering the electric vehicle (EV) market, particularly looking at a used Tesla Model 3 2019 or newer models, understanding the differences is crucial. This article breaks down the key improvements and changes between the 2019 and 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, providing insights for potential buyers.
Tesla’s continuous improvement approach means that models evolve constantly, unlike traditional year-based updates. The shift to manufacturing cars for Australia in Shanghai instead of the USA brought about a ‘refresh’ with notable enhancements. These upgrades, while not a complete overhaul, contribute to a better overall vehicle. While my 2019 USA-built Model 3 was excellent, the 2021 Chinese-made version showcases a step up in several areas.
Here’s a breakdown of the specific changes I’ve observed:
Enhanced Cabin Quietness with Double Pane Front Windows: Electric vehicles are inherently quiet, which amplifies any remaining noise. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 addressed this with double-pane front windows. This seemingly small change significantly reduces external noise intrusion, making the cabin even more serene. This refinement is particularly appreciated in an EV, where the absence of engine noise makes road and wind noise more noticeable. Tesla and other EV manufacturers also utilize specialized acoustic tires to further minimize road noise, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to cabin quietness.
Refreshed and More Practical Center Console: The center console received a thoughtful redesign in the 2021 model. The piano black finish, while stylish, was prone to fingerprints in the 2019 Tesla Model 3. The refresh replaced this with a matte black finish throughout the console area, offering a more practical and cleaner look. This update also integrated a wireless phone charger as standard, a convenient addition for modern smartphone users. Furthermore, the older USB-A outlets were updated to the newer USB-C standard, reflecting current technology and providing faster charging and data transfer capabilities for compatible devices.
Convenience of an Electric Boot (Trunk): While a minor convenience, the addition of an electric boot to the 2021 Tesla Model 3 is a welcome upgrade. My 2019 model required manual closing of the boot. The electric boot adds a touch of premium feel and ease of use, especially when hands are full. It’s a subtle but appreciated improvement in daily usability.
Improved Security with Glovebox Sentry Mode Storage: Tesla’s Sentry Mode, a crucial security feature that records surroundings when the car is parked, saw a significant enhancement in storage security. In the 2021 model, the Sentry Mode recording location was moved to the glovebox and now includes optional PIN number access. This change provides a more secure location for the USB drive containing the footage. In the event of a break-in, the recording of the incident is safely stored within the locked glovebox, protecting it from potential theft or tampering. This is a notable improvement over the 2019 Tesla Model 3, enhancing the effectiveness of the Sentry Mode.
Matrix Headlights for Superior Illumination: The headlights on the 2021 Tesla Model 3 were upgraded to the latest Matrix style, a technology often found in high-end vehicles. The difference in lighting performance compared to the 2019 headlights is substantial. The Matrix headlights offer improved beam control, potentially offering brighter and more adaptive illumination in various driving conditions. This upgrade enhances both safety and driving comfort, especially during nighttime driving.
Enhanced Efficiency with Heat Pump System: Tesla’s focus on maximizing EV range is evident in the integration of a heat pump in the 2021 Model 3. This engineering advancement significantly improves energy efficiency, particularly in colder climates. While software updates in EVs can optimize energy usage (like turning off passenger-side AC when unoccupied), the heat pump represents a hardware-level improvement. In my experience, the 2019 Tesla Model 3 SR+ averaged 134Wh/km, while the 2021 model averages 125Wh/km – a roughly 7% improvement. This gain is even more impressive considering the 2021 mileage included winter driving, which typically reduces EV efficiency. The heat pump is a key contributor to this enhanced efficiency. The image above illustrates the more complex heat pump system in the 2021 model (right) compared to the 2019 model without it (left).
Smoother Acceleration Feel: While subjective without dyno testing, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus feels like it delivers smoother acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h. The 2019 model felt like it had a slight initial lag before gaining momentum, whereas the 2021 version provides a more consistent and linear power delivery throughout the acceleration range. This difference could be attributed to factors like the larger and heavier battery pack in the 2021 model or refined software mapping. Regardless of the cause, the result is a more refined and enjoyable acceleration experience.
Improved Charging Curve with New Battery Chemistry: Charging speeds have always been a talking point for EVs. While software updates improved the supercharging speed of the 2019 Tesla Model 3 to a peak of 170kW, the charging rate tapered off quickly as the battery filled. The 2021 model benefits from a different battery chemistry (Lithium Iron Phosphate – LFP), leading to a flatter charging curve. While peak charging speeds may be similar, the 2021 model maintains a faster charging rate for longer as the battery approaches full capacity. This is a significant advantage for real-world usability, as it reduces overall charging times, particularly when charging to higher percentages. A flatter charging curve makes EV charging more user-friendly and lessens the need to explain the nuances of tapering charge rates to new EV adopters.
Game-Changing LFP Battery Chemistry: The most significant change in the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is the battery chemistry. It transitioned from a Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA) battery in the 2019 model to a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. While NCA batteries (like those from Panasonic and LG Chem) are more energy-dense and lighter, LFP batteries offer key advantages. LFP batteries, sourced from CATL for Tesla, are inherently safer due to their more stable chemistry, have a longer lifespan with more charge cycles before degradation, and can be charged to 100% without concern for battery health – unlike NCA batteries which are typically recommended to be charged to 80-90% for daily use.
In practical terms, this LFP battery translates to:
- Increased Usable Range: My 2021 Model 3 displays 423km of range at 100% charge, compared to approximately 380km in my 2019 model.
- Charging Flexibility and Peace of Mind: There’s no need to worry about charge limits or optimizing charging habits for battery longevity with the LFP battery.
- Excellent Battery Longevity: After 10,000 km, the 2021 model still indicates the same 423km range as day one, showing no signs of degradation.
Furthermore, the regenerative braking behavior is more consistent with the LFP battery. In the 2019 Tesla Model 3, regenerative braking was reduced when the battery was charged to 100%, altering the driving experience. The LFP battery maintains consistent regenerative braking behavior regardless of the state of charge, providing a more predictable and seamless driving experience.
These last two points – the improved charging curve and the LFP battery – are pivotal advancements from the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus to the 2021 model. The Tesla/CATL LFP battery is robust and ideally suited for mass EV adoption.
Charge it, drive it, repeat.
The complexity of managing charge limits and battery health concerns associated with NCA batteries is largely eliminated with LFP. Tesla has even simplified the charging screen, removing the distinction between “daily” and “trip” charge limits, as shown above with NCA on the left and LFP on the right.
The consistent regenerative braking and predictable range further simplify the EV ownership experience, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
This user-friendliness is paramount for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and represents a significant leap forward.
Resources
Article 1 – Is the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (SR+) the best car on the market today?
Article 2 – 20,000 klms later, is the Tesla Standard Plus still the best car on the market?
For those interested in purchasing a Tesla, you can monitor Australian pricing trends at Tesla Price Forecaster to optimize your purchase timing or use my referral link https://ts.la/randall46741 for 1,500 free supercharging kilometers.
For further information and community discussion, the Tesla Model 3 & Y Australia Facebook group is a valuable resource.
