Tesla may say it doesn’t sell slow cars, but that’s not true if you live in a country where cars are taxed based on their power rating. Digging through a recent firmware update, Tesla code connoisseur “green the only” found mentions of a “soft performance limit” and power levels of 110 kilowatts (148 horsepower) for the Model 3 and 159 kW (213 hp) for the Model Y.

The Tesla Model Y base version has already been limited to 159 kW in Turkey for about a month. The Turkish government introduced a new law stating that any electric car whose power output exceeds 160 kW falls into a higher tax bracket and becomes considerably more expensive to buy.

This means that in Turkey, you can get a base Model Y Standard Range RWD for about 60% of the cost of the next model up, the Long Range AWD. The power drop isn’t massive, though, so the Turkish market base Model Y acceleration time from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) only increased from 6.9 seconds to 7.5 seconds, and the top speed remained the same at 135 mph (217 km/h).

The only country where Tesla sells a 110-kW Model 3 is Singapore. Before owning a vehicle, you first have to bid for a certificate of entitlement (or COE for short) and obtain one for around $70,000. There are two types of COE: category A, which entitles you to own a vehicle with no more than 110 kW, and category B, which applies to any passenger vehicle that exceeds that.

The 110 kW Model 3 is the slowest accelerating Tesla available anywhere, with a claimed acceleration time from 0 to 62 mph of 8.6 seconds. Interestingly, the regular Model 3 RWD, with around 283 hp and a sprint time to 62 mph of 6.1 seconds, is just 500 Singaporean dollars (about $371) less than the variant with reduced power—the biggest savings come from obtaining the cheaper COE.

Both power limits are achieved through software, so there is no physical difference between the limited and higher-power regular models. In theory, they could have their power limit removed, although this would have obvious legal implications.

Tesla is unlikely to introduce these or any other lower-powered model variants outside of markets where not offering them would seriously affect sales. You won’t see anything of the sort soon in the US or even in Europe, where some countries tax cars by horsepower, although the power rating doesn’t directly affect the purchase price of a car as it does in Turkey.

The Base Tesla ‌Model 3 Has Just 148 HP In Singapore

In recent years, Tesla​ has been making⁢ waves in the automotive industry‌ with its sleek electric ⁤vehicles that offer‌ impressive performance and cutting-edge technology. One of the most popular ‍models in its lineup is the ​Model 3, a compact sedan that offers a perfect balance‌ of ​range, performance, and affordability. However, the base model of the Tesla Model 3 in‍ Singapore has just 148⁤ horsepower, which‌ may come as a surprise to some considering the ⁢brand’s reputation for powerful⁣ electric motors.

The Singapore-spec Tesla Model⁣ 3 comes‍ equipped‍ with ‍a single electric motor that produces 148 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. While this may not seem⁢ like much compared to the more powerful variants ⁢available⁤ in ⁢other markets, it ⁣is ‌still enough to propel the Model 3 from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 ​seconds. The car also boasts a top speed of 140 ⁢mph, making it a fun and ‍zippy⁣ option⁣ for city driving.

Of course, the‌ appeal of the Tesla Model 3 ⁢goes far⁣ beyond just its ‌performance⁤ figures. The car is ⁣packed with features ​that set​ it ⁤apart from the competition, including a minimalist interior with a large touchscreen ⁢display, advanced driver-assistance systems, and over-the-air software⁤ updates that continuously improve the car’s functionality. Additionally,⁤ the Model 3 offers an impressive range of up⁢ to 358 miles on a single charge, ensuring that drivers can go about their daily routines without having to worry about running out of battery.

Despite ​its relatively modest horsepower rating, the base Tesla Model 3 in Singapore is a compelling option for those looking⁢ to make the switch to electric vehicles. Its⁤ combination of performance, range, ‌and technology make it a standout choice in its segment, and its affordable price tag only ​adds⁢ to its appeal. As Tesla continues to expand its presence in Singapore and other markets around the world, we can expect to see more drivers opting for the electrifying driving experience that the Model 3 provides.

In conclusion, while the base Tesla Model 3 in Singapore​ may not have the same level of horsepower as some of its ‌more ⁤powerful⁢ counterparts, it still offers a compelling blend of ‍performance, technology, and range. With its sleek ‌design, impressive acceleration, and long⁣ list of features, the Model 3 ⁣is a ⁤standout option for drivers looking to make⁤ the switch to electric vehicles. As ‌Tesla continues to push the⁣ boundaries of what is possible with electric cars,​ we can expect to see more innovative and‍ exciting models from ‌the brand in the years to come.