Tesla enthusiasts and onlookers have recently spotted the US version of the Model 3 Highland facelift being tested on California roads. Despite initial confusion with Chinese badging, these test units were ultimately identified as originating from Tesla’s Fremont factory through their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). The Fremont-made Model 3 Highland facelifts appear to be undergoing advanced stages of preparation for the US market, featuring distinctive US regulation headlights with orange separators. A close examination of the test units revealed some door panel gaps and protective film, indicating that they are still in a pre-production phase.
The key difference between the US-bound Model 3 Highland and its Chinese counterpart, also exported to Europe, lies in the Hardware 4.0 kit. The US version, equipped with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) autonomy option, incorporates the complete HW4 autonomous driving suite, including cameras, computers, and sensors. This requires additional testing and adherence to US-specific crash test standards, potentially contributing to the rumored delays in the Model 3 Highland‘s US release. Speculation suggests that the launch might occur in the current quarter.
Moreover, the Model 3 Highland‘s eligibility for the federal $7,500 EV tax credit remains uncertain. The 2023 Model 3s, with a battery pack made in China, lost eligibility for the tax credit, raising questions about the upcoming model’s qualification status. As Tesla continues testing and refining the US-bound Model 3 Highland, anticipation builds for the electric vehicle’s official debut in the American market.