Tesla Model 3 brakes fixed

 

But still no Australian price or ETA for smallest Tesla

Tesla has reduced the 60mph stopping distance of its new Model 3 by almost six metres via an over-the-air (OTA) software update.

As promised by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the move comes a week after respected US publication Consumer Reports published test results showing the Tesla Model 3’s stopping distances were significantly longer than any of its rivals, including the BMW 3 Series.

Along with issues relating to the car’s ride comfort and controls, the braking problem prevented the Tesla Model 3 from receiving a recommendation from Consumer Reports, which has now reversed that decision.

“I’ve been at CR for 19 years and tested more than 1000 cars and I’ve never seen a car that could improve its track performance with an over-the-air update,” said Consumer Reports director of auto testing Jake Fisher.

Tesla told Consumer Reports the company has improved the software for the Model 3’s anti-lock braking system to adapt to variations in how the brakes might be used and to respond to different environmental conditions.

Consumer Reports’ initial review of the Model 3 said that, at 152 feet (46.3m), the mid-size electric sedan’s stopping distance from 60mph (97km/h) was seven feet (2.1m) longer than a Ford F-150’s and 25 feet (7.6m) longer than that of Tesla’s own Model X SUV.

In retesting after the software update was downloaded, the Model 3 stopped in 133 feet (40.5m) — an improvement of 19 feet (5.8m) — matching Tesla’s claim and its key rivals.

Consumer Reports said the shorter braking distance improved the car’s overall score enough for it to recommend the Model 3, but the publication continues to criticise its wind noise, brittle ride quality and rear seat comfort.

Musk told Consumer Reports last week that Tesla has now made production line changes to address those three issues.

He suggested further OTA updates would remedy some of its issues found with the car’s unique controls, which force drivers to make audio, phone, climate and other changes almost exclusively through a large portrait-style central touch-screen.

Almost a year after its launch in mid-2017, the Tesla Model 3 in finally available in the US, where the electric car company has struggled to meet demand and its own production targets.

Tesla originally forecast it would build around 10,000 Model 3s a month by December 2017, when it made just over 2000.

Production has increased since then but the build rate is still below 5000 per week – a target that has now been delayed until July.

At launch, the Model 3 was announced in two versions: an entry-level version priced at $US35,000 ($A46,500) and a Long Range model costing $US44,000 ($A58,500).

The base model has a US EPA range of 354km and a claimed 0-60mph time of 5.6 seconds, while the pricier Long Range version has a 500km range and a 5.1sec 0-60mph claim.