Tesla Model 3 gets range and performance boost, plus a new 16-inch screen in US

This is car news, not a home energy upgrade story, but here's the gist for anyone tracking EVs as part of their home charging setup. Tesla has given every US, Puerto Rico, and Mexico Model 3 a larger 16-inch center touchscreen, replacing the old 15.4-inch display, including the base rear-wheel-drive version at $36,990. The two dual-motor versions also got boosts: the Performance trim now gets a black headliner, EPA range up to 316 miles (from 309), and peak power listed at 528 hp, though its 0-60 mph time stays at 2.9 seconds. The Premium AWD gets the bigger change, dropping its 0-60 time to 3.8 seconds (from 4.2) with 346 miles of range. Tesla hasn't said what's behind the extra power and range, or whether existing owners will get any of it. Prices are unchanged: $36,990 for the base Model 3, $42,490 for Premium RWD, $47,490 for Premium AWD, and $54,990 for Performance.

One feature still missing from the US Model 3 is vehicle-to-load, the ability to use the car's battery to power outside devices or appliances. Tesla added that in China and already offers it on some other US models, but not yet the Model 3. A lighter gray interior available in China also hasn't reached US buyers, who still choose between black and black-and-white. Canada isn't included in this update either, and its configurator still shows the older screen, despite building its Model 3s at the same factory as China.