Why does the domestic Model 3 only show 380 when fully charged?
4 Answers
The domestic Model 3 showing only 380 when fully charged is mainly due to the measurement error of the lithium iron phosphate battery's chemical characteristics, which causes a deviation in estimation, displaying as not fully charged when the battery is actually full. Below is relevant information about the Tesla Model 3: 1. Introduction to Tesla Model 3: The Tesla Model 3 is a new product in the Tesla Model X series, released in the United States at 11:30 AM Beijing Time on April 1, 2016. 2. Features: The Model 3 does not use an aluminum body, so the body size is reduced by 20% to offset the impact of increased weight on range. The Model 3 is expected to have a range of about 320 kilometers. It eliminates the impractical but visually striking falcon-wing doors, removes the 3-second acceleration from 0 to 60 mph, and may also eliminate the autopilot feature.
I've been driving a domestic Model 3 for almost a year now, and it's quite common to see a full charge display of 380 kilometers, mainly because the battery performance degrades in real-world usage. The officially claimed range is tested under ideal conditions, such as no wind and constant speed driving. However, in daily driving, there are always red lights, traffic jams, and sudden accelerations, which are particularly power-consuming. Low temperatures in winter reduce battery efficiency, and using air conditioning in summer also drains a significant amount of power. Additionally, battery aging is a factor; frequent fast charging accelerates wear and tear, leading to reduced range at full charge. It's advisable to develop good habits, such as using slow charging more often, maintaining proper tire pressure, and reducing unnecessary weight in the car, which can slightly improve the range. Don't be fooled by the advertised numbers; electric vehicles' actual range is usually lower than claimed.
As a car enthusiast, I noticed the domestically produced Model 3 uses CATL LFP batteries, which are stable but have poor low-temperature performance. A range of 380 km after a full charge is quite normal. The nominal value under the WLTP standard might be around 400 km, but in actual driving, factors like air resistance, uneven road conditions, playing music, or using headlights will consume additional power. More critically, the driving mode matters—when I switch to sport mode, energy consumption skyrockets. Software updates also play a role; Tesla’s firmware sometimes optimizes charging management. Don’t just blame the battery—check your settings. Turn off unnecessary electronic aids like Sentry Mode, set energy recovery to maximum, and avoid driving at high speeds with windows open. Wind resistance increases energy consumption, so prioritize using the AC at a low fan speed.
Having driven electric cars for over 20 years, it's completely normal to get only 380 km on a full charge. Battery range shrinks with temperature changes, and in winter, the range drops rapidly when starting with a cold car. The weight distribution and tire pressure of the Model 3 have a significant impact. I've experienced how low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, consuming more electricity for the same distance. Official numbers are lab-tested, but real-world conditions like slopes, traffic lights, and congestion make a difference. Maintaining a steady speed saves some power, and avoiding sudden braking and acceleration helps. Don't worry, all electric cars are like this—you'll get used to it.
