Tesla: CPU change gnaws at maximum range

While the looks of the electric cars from the renowned manufacturer Tesla have hardly changed over the years, the company regularly updates the hardware. This time, the Model 3 is due for a CPU change, among other things. However, the change from Intel CPU to AMD processor also seems to have its drawbacks. The maximum range is affected.

CPU swap with advantages and disadvantages

An Intel Atom CPU has been working in the Tesla Model 3 so far. However, this no longer seems to meet the entertainment requirements that Tesla wants to offer with its e-cars. Accordingly, the US company replaces it with stronger CPUs from AMD without further ado. The AMD Ryzen in particular is supposed to ensure that the massive touchscreen in the interior offers even more possibilities than it already does. Considering that gaming AAA games should also be possible in the interior of the iconic e-cars in the future, the step seems to make sense.

However, its actual purpose as a vehicle is not really helped by the processor swap. After all, the new processor is also less energy-efficient than the weaker Intel Atom due to its higher performance. This causes a higher load on the battery, which should ultimately eat away at the Model 3’s maximum range. Tesla itself talks about 22 km less and, according to its own information, also wants to inform its customers about this. Not only that. To probably avoid legal consequences, new buyers of a Model 3 have to confirm in writing that they were informed about this circumstance. This is at least the case in Australia, where the revised models will be launched first.

“Touch Screen Experience” in Focus

Tesla is quite open about its processor change and the resulting consequences. After all, the company makes it clear that it wants to perfect the electric car’s “touch screen experience.” Disgruntled customers are likely to threaten the company mainly in Australians. The first adapted e-cars are to be launched there. Whether and to what extent we will be informed in this country is still questionable. After all, the company already seems to be doing everything it can to keep the loss of range in our regions as small as possible. Tesla has already adjusted its ranges online. While a Model 3 should now “only” be able to offer 602 km in the “maximum range” version, there was previously talk of 614 km. Thus, the 22 km less would become only 10 km less.

Inverted world with the Model Y?

However, not all of the automaker’s vehicles seem to be affected by the reduction in range. The Model Y, a slightly higher version of the Model 3, even seems to benefit from the processor change in terms of range. Here, 34 km more are said to be possible.

According to insiders, however, this is a milkmaid calculation. After all, the Model Y also offers the option of having an 82 kWh battery installed instead of the standard 77 kWh battery. Of course, this battery will last longer despite a more sophisticated processor.