Having owned both a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, one of the first to arrive in Australia, and a 2021 model, the opportunity to compare these two electric vehicles side-by-side has been insightful. After driving over 45,000 kilometers in the 2019 and more than 10,000 kilometers in the 2021 version, it’s time to detail the notable differences, especially for those considering a Tesla Model 3 2019 or newer electric vehicle.
A significant shift occurred when Tesla began shipping vehicles from their Shanghai factory to Australia, initially just the Standard Range Plus, and eventually all Model 3 variants. This transition brought with it a series of ongoing refinements, a hallmark of Tesla’s iterative design process, rather than traditional year-model updates. This means a Tesla Model 3 produced even a few months apart can have subtle but noticeable variations, reflecting Tesla’s commitment to continuous improvement. Generally, the build quality and finish of the Shanghai-produced models show a step up. While the USA-built 2019 Tesla Model 3 was certainly well-made, the 2021 exhibits a subtly enhanced overall refinement.
Here’s a breakdown of the key improvements observed in the 2021 Tesla Model 3 compared to the 2019 model:
Enhanced Cabin Quietness: Double Pane Front Windows
Electric vehicles are inherently quiet, and Tesla has taken steps to further minimize noise intrusion. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 introduces double pane front windows, a welcome addition that further dampens external sounds, enhancing the serene driving experience. This reduction in noise allows occupants to appreciate the quietness of the electric powertrain even more and notice subtle sounds that might otherwise be masked in a noisier vehicle. Complementing this are Tesla’s use of acoustic tires, designed specifically to minimize road noise and contribute to a quieter cabin environment.
Modernized Center Console Design
The center console of the Tesla Model 3 received a significant refresh in the 2021 model. While the original design in the 2019 Tesla Model 3 was functional, the new iteration presents a more sophisticated and user-friendly aesthetic. The glossy piano black finish, known for attracting fingerprints, has been replaced with a more practical and elegant matte black finish throughout. This update also includes the integration of a wireless phone charger as standard, a convenient feature for modern smartphone users. Furthermore, the older USB-A outlets have been updated to the faster and more versatile USB-C ports, reflecting current technology standards.
Convenience of an Electric Boot (Power Liftgate)
A subtle but appreciated upgrade in the 2021 Tesla Model 3 is the inclusion of an electric boot, or power liftgate. Owners of the 2019 model will recall manually closing the boot. The 2021 model adds the convenience of power operation, making opening and closing the boot effortless. While perhaps not a groundbreaking feature, it adds a touch of premium convenience to daily use.
Improved Security with Sentry Mode Location
Tesla’s Sentry Mode, a valuable security feature that was introduced via a software update after the 2019 Tesla Model 3 was in production, has been further refined in the 2021 model. The Sentry Mode recording location has been relocated to the glovebox, and a PIN number access option has been added for enhanced security. This thoughtful change ensures that in the event of a break-in, the recorded footage is more securely stored on the included Tesla-branded 128GB USB drive within the glovebox, protecting crucial evidence.
Enhanced Visibility with Matrix LED Headlights
The headlights on the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have been upgraded to the latest Matrix LED style, a feature commonly found in high-end vehicles. These new headlights represent a significant improvement over the 2019 headlights, offering superior illumination and potentially adaptive beam patterns for optimized visibility in various driving conditions. The enhanced lighting performance is a notable safety and convenience upgrade, especially for drivers frequently driving at night.
Increased Energy Efficiency with Heat Pump
Tesla’s relentless focus on maximizing EV range is evident in the inclusion of a heat pump in the 2021 Tesla Model 3. This engineering advancement is designed to improve energy efficiency, particularly in colder climates. Compared to the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, the 2021 model shows a noticeable improvement in energy consumption. The author’s 2019 model averaged 134Wh/km over its lifespan, while the 2021 model is currently averaging 125Wh/km, representing approximately a 7% improvement. This efficiency gain is especially significant considering a substantial portion of the kilometers driven in the 2021 model were during winter months, when EVs typically experience reduced range. The heat pump is considered a key contributor to this enhanced efficiency.
Smoother Acceleration Experience
While subjective without precise dyno testing, the perceived acceleration in the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus feels smoother compared to the 2019 model. The 2019 model sometimes exhibited a sensation of initial lag followed by a surge of power. In contrast, the 2021 model delivers a more linear and consistent acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h. This difference could be attributed to factors such as the larger and heavier battery pack in the 2021 model, or refinements in software mapping, even while maintaining a similar 0-100 km/h time.
Enhanced Charging Curve for Faster and More Consistent Charging
Charging performance has also seen improvements. While the 2019 Tesla Model 3 received software updates to increase supercharging speeds up to 170kW peak, the charging rate tended to taper off relatively quickly as the battery filled. The 2021 model, utilizing a different battery chemistry, maintains a fast charge rate for longer, with a flatter taper curve as the battery approaches full capacity. This is a significant benefit for EV adoption, making charging more user-friendly and reducing the perceived charging time, especially for those new to electric vehicles who might find the concept of tapering charge rates less intuitive. For a detailed analysis of this, resources like the InsideEVs article “MIC Tesla Model 3 SR+ Fast Charging Test Reveals Strong Results” offer further insights.
Revolutionary Battery Chemistry: LFP Battery Pack
Perhaps the most significant change in the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is the adoption of a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, replacing the Lithium-Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum (NCA) battery of the 2019 model. While NCA batteries, often sourced from Panasonic and LG Chem, are known for higher energy density (lighter and more compact), LFP batteries offer compelling advantages. LFP batteries, supplied by CATL for Tesla, are inherently safer due to their more stable chemistry, boast a longer lifespan with more charge cycles before degradation, and crucially, are designed to be charged to 100% without concern for battery health, unlike NCA packs which are typically recommended for daily charging to 80-90%.
The practical implications of this battery chemistry switch are substantial:
- Increased Daily Range: The 2021 Tesla Model 3 LFP battery provides a greater indicated range at 100% charge, showing 423 kilometers compared to approximately 380 kilometers in the 2019 NCA pack.
- Charging Flexibility and Peace of Mind: Owners can confidently charge the LFP battery to 100% without worrying about long-term battery degradation or needing to manage charge levels for daily vs. trip usage.
- Long-Term Battery Durability: Early indications suggest excellent battery longevity, with the test vehicle still displaying its original 423km range even after 10,000 kilometers, showing no signs of degradation.
- Consistent Regenerative Braking: Unlike the 2019 model’s NCA battery, which limited regenerative braking at high states of charge (above 90%), the LFP pack provides consistent regenerative braking performance across all charge levels. This results in a more predictable and seamless driving experience, a significant benefit for mass market appeal.
These final points encapsulate the core improvements moving from the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus to the 2021 version. The Tesla/CATL LFP battery pack represents a robust and user-friendly solution, ideally suited for mass EV adoption.
Charge it, drive it, repeat.
The complexities of managing charge limits for daily use versus trips, or concerns about battery degradation, become largely irrelevant with the LFP battery. Tesla has even simplified the charging screen interface, removing the distinction between “daily” and “trip” charge settings, reflecting this newfound charging simplicity.
The consistent regenerative braking, regardless of charge level, and the elimination of range degradation anxieties are crucial steps forward for mainstream EV acceptance.
For widespread electric vehicle adoption, these enhancements in the 2021 Tesla Model 3, particularly the LFP battery, represent a monumental leap forward.
