Tesla Upgrades China Model 3 With 16-Inch Screen and V2L, US Left Out
Chinese buyers also gain access to new light gray interior options and up to 2.2 kW of AC power export capabilities.
Tesla China is introducing hardware and software upgrades for its Model 3 and Model Y lineup, including a larger 16-inch touchscreen and vehicle-to-load power export features that are currently unavailable in the US Model 3.
What Happened
Announced on October 1 via marketing posters on official Chinese channels, the update provides every current Model 3 trim in China with a 16-inch center display, up from the previous 15.4 inches. Tesla states the new screen offers higher resolution and a higher refresh rate, though specific metrics were not disclosed. Additionally, Chinese buyers can now select a light gray “premium interior” paired with a black fabric headliner, a configuration previously introduced on the US Model Y Premium.
The update also enables up to 2,200 W of AC power export across the entire Model 3 and Model Y lineup in China. Owners must purchase Tesla’s AC power-export adapter to use this feature, with the exception of the three-row Model Y L. Tesla illustrated the capability with a camping scenario involving a rice cooker, hot pot, and electric kettle running simultaneously.
Why It Matters
The disparity between the Chinese and US markets highlights a strategic focus on the Chinese EV sector, where competition is fierce. The upgrades are accompanied by significant incentives for orders placed by October 31, including a 5,000 yuan discount, 5-year 0% financing, and various subsidies. These measures bring the advertised starting price down to approximately 222,500 yuan (~$33,000), although the base list price remains 235,500 yuan. Even with these discounts, the Model 3 remains more expensive than BYD’s new Formula S, which starts at 189,900 yuan.
In the US, the Model 3 starts at $36,990 and still features a 15.4-inch display. While Tesla launched vehicle-to-load in the US in August, it limited the feature to the Model Y Premium, Model Y Performance, and Cybertruck. The entire US Model 3 lineup remains excluded from V2L capabilities, creating a notable gap in feature availability compared to the Chinese market.
The Bottom Line
Tesla is aggressively updating its Chinese Model 3 and Model Y lineup with larger screens, new interior options, and power export features to compete in a saturated market, while US Model 3 buyers continue to wait for these hardware and software advancements.
