[Kirby64]

Wait, what? Why would the Model 3 Performance be eligible for the credit but not the Model 3 Long Range? Do they actually have different batteries? I thought the only difference between them was motor, some software, and the wheels.

[thejazzman]

If you go by what everyone parrots on the internet, they are the same. But I haven't actually seen anyone specify part numbers of one vs the other. And it's Tesla, so what's true one moment may not be the next.

It's possible it own't even remain eligible. I believe it's inclusion here is because Tesla hasn't acknowledge it's exclusion. That could be because they discontinue offering a Performance model -- like they have in Europe with the launch of the Highland revision.

Shrug.

[seanmcdirmid]

I would guess they aren't using a Chinese LFP battery in the M3 performance, but they are in the other models?

[Kirby64]

Unless they're heavily retooled (which is possible, I guess), historically they haven't been able to fit a large enough LFP battery into the Model 3 to meet the EPA range of the 'Long Range' version.

Also, the Performance version of every car Tesla makes has used an identical battery to the 'AWD' (or, Long Range) battery. You can tell, because the range is slightly reduced due to the additional motor and/or larger tires.