Tesla Seeks Approval to Build Heavier Model 3 in China

(Bloomberg) --

Tesla Inc. is planning to build a heavier version of the Model 3 vehicles than the company makes in China now as it ramps up production in the country.

According to a filing with China’s industry ministry, Tesla is seeking government approval to produce a Model 3 that’s about 130 kilograms (286 pounds) heavier than the basic versions of the ones it produces now in the country.

Reuters reported that the car would be a longer-range version. The document doesn’t spell out the driving range but its weight is similar to that of the long-range, rear-wheel-drive Model 3 that Tesla imports from the U.S. now. A company representative declined to comment.

Tesla’s new Shanghai plant resumed production on Monday after the outbreak of the novel coronavirus idled factories across China.

To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: Chunying Zhang in Shanghai at czhang714@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Young-Sam Cho at ycho2@bloomberg.net

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With assistance from Bloomberg