Tesla Cuts Price of Model 3 Long Range RWD in China to Boost Competitiveness
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="1024px" width="1024px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Tesla Lowers Price of Model 3 Long Range RWD in China
Tesla has once again adjusted its pricing strategy in China, announcing a reduction for the newly launched Model 3 Long Range rear-wheel drive (RWD). The move highlights the automaker’s effort to strengthen its foothold in the world’s most competitive electric vehicle (EV) market just weeks after the variant’s debut.
Updated Price Point
The Model 3 Long Range RWD, which delivers an impressive 830 km range under China’s CLTC cycle, now starts at RMB 259,500 (about $36,400). This represents a RMB 10,000 ($1,400) drop from its original sticker price of RMB 269,500 ($37,800). Tesla’s order page currently lists delivery windows at 1–3 weeks, signaling strong supply availability.
Position in the Model 3 Lineup
This version was first introduced on August 12, expanding Tesla’s portfolio in China with a longer-range option above the entry-level Model 3 RWD, priced at RMB 235,500 ($33,000). Despite the adjustment, prices for the Dual Motor AWD and Performance trims remain unchanged, suggesting a targeted pricing revision rather than a broad restructuring.
Delivery Timeline Trends
Tesla’s estimated delivery times remain steady across the lineup: 1–3 weeks for the base and Long Range variants, 1–3 weeks for the Dual Motor AWD, and 3–5 weeks for the Performance edition. These figures point to a well-managed production rhythm as Tesla scales output at Giga Shanghai.
Incentives to Attract Buyers
Alongside the price cut, Tesla is offering financing perks and subsidies to further entice buyers. Current promotions include a five-year zero-interest loan and an RMB 8,000 ($1,100) insurance subsidy, measures designed to make ownership more accessible and competitive against domestic rivals.
Sales Performance in China
Tesla’s Model 3 sales in China showed mixed momentum in July. Deliveries totaled 9,851 units—down slightly year-over-year (0.78%) and dropping 40.8% compared with June. Still, cumulative January-to-July sales reached 101,770 units, up 26.5% from the same period last year, reflecting the brand’s continued appeal in China’s rapidly expanding EV sector.
Export Dynamics
Tesla shipped 12,197 Model 3s from China in July. While this figure was 46.5% lower year-over-year, it represented a sharp 228.8% increase compared with June. For the first seven months of 2024, total Model 3 exports hit 70,718 units—a 42% overall decline. These fluctuations highlight the balancing act Tesla faces between local demand and international shipments.
Market Outlook
The latest pricing change underlines Tesla’s nimbleness in adapting to shifting conditions in China’s EV landscape. As domestic competitors ramp up production and expand their own lineups, maintaining price competitiveness and offering customer-friendly incentives will be central to Tesla’s strategy.
Conclusion
Tesla’s decision to trim the price of the Model 3 Long Range RWD illustrates its proactive approach to market pressures. By combining affordability initiatives with steady supply and financing perks, the company aims to safeguard its market position in China. Looking ahead, Tesla’s ability to manage both domestic growth and export performance will be key to sustaining momentum in an increasingly crowded EV market.