Tesla Model 3 SR+ LFP Review 6 Months Later

We have had our Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus with LFP batteries for 6 months now. Since taking delivery, we have had a chance to get very familiar and comfortable with the car.

Of course, we have our 2021 Tesla Model Y that has been the kick off of our Tesla journey, but when it was time to add another car to the household, I wanted an affordable EV that had the best value.

Obviously we went with the Tesla Model 3 SR+, and there are many reasons why this decision made sense for us. I am going to cover the pros and cons over that 6 months and help you with your decision on if you should get a SR+ Tesla Model 3.

We originally ordered a White on Black Tesla Model 3 SR+ some time ago and after watching the delivery date continue to get pushed back, we started considering other options. Just then, Tesla announced that they would be making LFP Model 3's available through their existing inventory.

At first, there were just over 150 cars available in the U.S. But after just a short period of time, most of them had already been accounted for. We were lucky enough to get our hands on this Black on White Model 3 shortly after the announcement.

Since this car became available, Tesla has transitioned all SR Model 3's to LFP. The newer cars have a slightly larger battery pack, which yields an impressive 272 Miles of range. Given that this is in the LFP format, that means you can charge daily to 100% without fear of damaging the battery, giving you the full battery of usable energy.

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[BeardedTeslaGuy]

Win a Tesla Model S Plaid, with the fastest 0-60 of any production car! Enter the sweepstakes at:

[iPierre]

I live in New Jersey I’ve had a SR+ Model 3 for 1 year now, it’s amazing I don’t know why people are complaining that the SR doesn’t have enough range, if you drive less then 100 miles a day and live in a house or in a city trust me it’s perfect, and for RWD it’s not a problem in the snow just be smart with it and don’t go driving 95mph in the snow with it and you’ll be perfectly fine it performs amazing for a RWD. Currently have 17k miles on mine and plan on driving to Florida next week. So trust me if you can afford a LR you will be fine, the car is really amazing.

[slyguyaction]

A month ago we got a 2022 Model 3 RWD with 8k miles for $40k. Red paint and the 19" wheels really make the car pop and we absolutely love it. The LFP battery is a real champ. Amazing car...

[shelfaddiction]

You're 100% spot on with the seats. I've never had more comfortable seats in my car. The foam in these seats is so supportive and the side bolsters are just right! Love my MYLR!

[tornadotj]

We took delivery of our 2023 LFP Model 3 on Dec 27. Fit and finish - perfect. Took first road trip last week, 440 miles round trip. LFP's charge VERY quickly at the Superchargers. A short 10 min stop on the way and 10 on the way back, got home with battery at 20%, actually realized we could have stopped more toward home, did not really need to charge so soon on the way back. Very convenient, and I'm really glad we decided on the LFP model.

[sojournern]

I've had my SR+ for about 2 years now and have no range anxiety. Here's some advantages of SR+ over long range: the car is lighter and you get significantly better mileage per KWH. I've had no problem in the snow or any weather. Wow does it charge fast. I love the car.

[romang]

My rwd model 3, 2022 is supper efficient with 202wh/mile after 2700 miles. Love the full 272 miles on a charge, and for $40k as I reserved in august, it’s a no brainer.

[howardsaltzman]

As you predicted, I did enjoy this video. While I am aware of the limitations of LFP in cold climates (we live in Wisconsin), I was very impressed on how well regen worked on the pre-heated LFP car we test drove at 5°F.

[Yachtzeee]

Just did a roadtrip Toronto to Florida. Drove in total 7, 000kms. Cannot say enough good things about my Model 3. This car is going into legendary status as my wife and I enjoy it sooo much!

[franklong]

I live in Arizona, and I have the 2022 RWD Model 3. It came with a 63.3 KW battery, which is apparently a step up from the 51 KW battery that preceded it. Supposedly, my car had 272 miles of range, but I have 19-inch rims, so that drops it down around 10 miles. So, I get around 256 miles of range in good driving conditions if it's not too hot or cold. Originally, I speculated that it had 265 miles of range. So, my battery has not degraded a lot now. In ideal driving conditions, driving near the speed limit, I can get 4.5 miles per KW. But that is definitely driving slow - driving at the speed limit. If I pushed it, I could probably get around 280 miles in the city, but I never drive that slow. Under ideal conditions, I get around 240 miles of range, but I drive fairly fast - but all traffic in my area goes 10-15 mph over the speed limit.

Overall, I love the car and it saves me a ton of money every month because gas in my area is around $4.00 per gallon. I installed a Tesla Universal Wall Connector Level 2 charger at home. To go 1000 miles, it costs me about $30.00 for electricity. I have a Toyota Tacoma 4-wheel drive, and it cost me around $330.00 in gas to drive 1000 miles. So, every 1000 miles, I save $300.00. Every 10, 000 miles, I save $3, 000.00. If I drive this car 60, 000 miles, it will just about have paid for itself, not counting insurance. And because I got the $4, 000.00 federal rebate, I will probably be able to sell it for about what I paid for it after 60, 000 miles.

No EV batteries currently do well in the cold. Also the LFP batteries lose range when the temperature gets over 90 degrees F. My range drops down to less than 200 miles. Still, I love this car and as you mention, it costs almost nothing to own. Charging it from 0 - 100% costs me $8.22. That gives me at least 200 miles of range, which is sufficient for driving around town several days.

[tobindavis]

I discovered (hard) phantom breaking on my MYLR earlier this week driving down I-5 in the evening when going around a gradual right turn with oncoming traffic, even though there was a concrete K-rail barrier between directions. I had Autosteer engaged. Hard braking from 80 to 65 before it would disengage and speed back up. Fortunately no one was behind me.

[sosaix]

I had been going back and forth between the M3 RWD and M3 LR, and had just about managed to justify the $6K price delta to the LR, and as I was configuring it, the clock went past midnight and the price jumped by $1K more. Sorry, that iced it for me - RWD for me! Extra range I'll use 2X a year and a better sound system aren't worth $7K more if you ask me.

[trevorrugby]

I came to the video because my friend keeps pressuring me to get the long range. I think I will stick with the base model after watching this. Thanks!

[wakeywarrior]

The newer ones are even better with the bigger battery. With the heat pump and efficiency, I’m getting about 50 miles more per charge than my S 75D. In sub 10 degrees c weather here in the U.K. so far (was snowing yesterday) I’m getting about 250 miles of mixed driving.
Richard Symons channel tests shows now there is only 25 ish real world mile difference between the new standard RWD and the Long Range. Given the Long Range will degrade more over the years, in 5 years the standard RWD may actually do more miles.
Mine is a China car and it’s perfectly built. Panel gaps perfect. No squeaks or rattles at all which is a big improvement on the S albeit road noise is a bit more than the S.
The stereo actually sounds better than my S ‘premium’ system with sub woofer I think even if bass is slightly less. That was a surprise. The stereo in this sounds really good IMO.
There’s a good $10000 difference between the new RWD and the LR now in the U.K.- hard to justify now they increased the LFP battery size unless you want the fast acceleration.

[NickVarn]

I just recently started debating getting the SR+ model 3 instead of the Long range I’ve been eyeing for months now. This video helped with my decision. I think I’ll stick with the long range for battery charging in colder weather and the all wheel drive. I might reconsider if prices come down significantly for the SR+ to where it’s a greater value.

[sydjaguar]

We get the Shanghai built model 3s in Australia. No build issues. Also the SR+ comes standard with LFP.

[doomsday]

Amazing how things have. Changed with model 3 prices you can get them 39k (not counting credits) or less in a day all day long now. What a difference a year makes

[Sweetkittyluna]

Great review ! I’ve had my M3LR for one week and adore this car! I WILL NOT use autopilot or cruise control, because of the phantom breaking issue …. Which is a real shame, as it was part of the reason for the purchase. I hope it gets addressed and fixed very soon. Happy weekend to you and the family!

[jsdoogie]

I am SO glad you mentioned the problem with the Vision System using autopilot on 2-lane highways @ 13.31. I live in a more rural area and drive mostly 2-lane highways and my 2022 Model 3 will slam on the brakes if a semi is driving towards me (in their lane) while using autopilot OR cruise control. This could very likely get me rear-ended if the person behind me is not paying attention. This is a SERIOUS safety issue. I do not recall my previous 2019 Model 3 with the added radar system having nearly as many issues with this. I contacted the service center about it and their suggestion was to keep the car updated (because it is still "learning") and that I could turn off all drivers aids to stop it from happening - that is NOT ok.

[davidpearn]

In Australia our LFP regens normally at 100% SOC……..it’s also investment grade.
Just don’t fall for the FSD /robotaxi revenue story and enjoy the hardware instead.