Asger Risom
Tesla has updated the U.S. Model 3 with a larger 16-inch touchscreen, increased range, and faster acceleration at no extra cost, though American buyers still lack the vehicle-to-load bidirectional charging available in international markets.
Tesla has rolled out a suite of hardware and performance updates for the U.S. Model 3, giving the electric sedan extra horsepower, longer range, and a sharper central screen without raising prices.
However, the update leaves one heavily requested feature off the table. As covered in our previous article on Tesla’s overseas V2L rollout for the Model 3, vehicles sold in North America still lack vehicle-to-load bidirectional charging, meaning owners cannot use the car’s battery to power external electronics or home appliances.
The updated specifications were published by Tesla North America and reported by InsideEVs.
Bigger screens and faster acceleration
Every trim in the U.S. lineup, including the base Rear-Wheel Drive model, now features a 16-inch touchscreen display with higher pixel density, replacing the older 15.4-inch unit. The upgrade matches the display hardware Tesla introduced to the Model Y earlier this year.
Performance numbers also received a boost across upper trims. The top-tier Model 3 Performance now achieves an estimated 316 miles of range per charge, up from 309 miles. Power output increases to 528 horsepower—an improvement over the 510 horsepower rating quoted at the vehicle’s 2024 launch—while keeping its 2.9-second zero-to-60 mph sprint time intact. Inside, the Performance trim adds a black headliner.
For the mid-range Model 3 Premium All-Wheel Drive, acceleration improves from 4.2 seconds down to 3.8 seconds for the zero-to-60 mph sprint, while retaining its 346-mile estimated range.
Free performance gains, but power export stays overseas
Tesla made these mechanical and software adjustments without increasing retail prices. The base Rear-Wheel Drive model remains at $38,630, the Premium All-Wheel Drive sits at $44,130, and the Performance model stays at $56,630.
Yet for American buyers hoping to use their EV as a backup power source during blackouts or outdoor trips, the lack of bidirectional charging stands out. While buyers in Asia and Oceania can now draw up to 2.2 kilowatts directly from their vehicle’s charge port, U.S. Model 3 drivers remain restricted to third-party equipment or forced to step up to the Cybertruck or higher-end Model Y variants to get factory power export.
