Tesla develops revamped Model 3 under codename ‘Project Highland’

Tesla is developing a revamped version of the Model 3, in an effort to lower production costs and increase the appeal of the five-year-old sedan. 

The “Highland” redesign prioritizes elements that Tesla customers enjoy while simplifying the interior and exterior design elements. 

The Model 3’s redesign was inspired by Tesla’s high-end EV sedan, the Model S, which was introduced and updated last year. In order to create a more minimalistic interior, the redesign removes buttons and traditional air vents that got replaced with an airplane-style yoke.

Musk has pushed a simplified design and production at Tesla that the Highland project extends. Additionally, Tesla has pioneered the use of massive machines known as Giga Press, built by IDRA Group in Italy, to make single, larger pieces of a vehicle in assembly. With a structural battery pack to eliminate more expensive modules. 

In light of the alternatives to Tesla that are starting to flood the market, Musk stated that “the impending enhancements that potential consumers can see and feel will be essential in ensuring that EV customers still have Tesla at the top of their minds.”

Musk added, “We kept discovering parts that were not necessary, parts that were inserted accidentally or just in case. We removed a significant number of parts from the car that did nothing. 

The Model 3’s powertrain performance will go into production at Tesla’s factory in Shanghai and the company’s Fremont California plant. Though it is not clear when the Fremont plant production will begin, Tesla’s shanghai gigafactory will put the redesigned Model 3 into production near the third quarter of 2023. 

Did you enjoy this article? Please share your thoughts, comments, or questions regarding this topic by connecting with us at newsroom@cbtnews.com.