Hi, everybody. Recently, I've calculated the drag area of the Model 3 and Model S using the method described
here. To do that, first I created silhouette versions of the front photos that you see below. I assumed that the height is 1435 mm for both models. At least that's what wikipedia shows
here and
here. The difference is only 2.9%:
Model S drag area: 2.43 m^2
Model 3 drag area: 2.36 m^2
We also know the drag coefficient numbers:
Model S drag coefficient = 0.24 (
source)
Model 3 drag coefficient = 0.21 (
source)
Using these numbers, here is how I would calculate the estimated EPA range numbers for the Model 3 for different battery sizes:
Model 3 trim levels likely to be released in 2017:
Model 3 55 = (210/60)* 55 * 0.24 * 2.43 / (0.21 * 2.36) = 226 mi EPA
Model 3 55D = (218/60)* 55 * 0.24 * 2.43 / (0.21 * 2.36) = 235 mi EPA
Model 3 75 = 249 * 0.24 * 2.43 / (0.21 * 2.36) = 293 mi EPA
Model 3 75D = 259 * 0.24 * 2.43 / (0.21 * 2.36) = 304 mi EPA
Model 3 P75D = 294/315*304= 284 mi EPA
I included the Model 3 75 kWh rear-wheel-drive because of
this tweet.
The next upgrade in 2018 or 2019 might include these versions:
Model 3 60 = 210 * 0.24 * 2.43 / (0.21 * 2.36) = 247 mi EPA
Model 3 60D = 218 * 0.24 * 2.43 / (0.21 * 2.36) = 257 mi EPA
Model 3 80 = (249/75)* 80 * 0.24 * 2.43 / (0.21 * 2.36) = 312 mi EPA
Model 3 80D = (259/75)* 80 * 0.24 * 2.43 / (0.21 * 2.36) = 325 mi EPA
Model 3 P80D = 294/315*325= 303 mi EPA