Model 3

Make
Tesla
Segment
Sedan

A refreshed Tesla Model 3 was announced in October with more available standard features and new tech including a power trunk lid. Additional updates include fresh wheel designs and a few other styling upgrades. The dual-motor AWD Long Range version's 0-60 mph time also dropped from 4.4 to 4.2 seconds. Best of all, every Model 3 trim has an increased range on a single charge. There's also been another interesting Model 3 upgrade: the headlights.

Up until now, these new and more powerful headlights featuring a defined beam with a more square-like pattern have been spotted in some markets, such as the UK. Electrek claims it has obtained a memo sent to Tesla sales staff that the new headlight design and technology will not only debut on the Model Y but will spread to all markets in the coming months.

"We are transitioning Model 3 and Model Y to a new headlight design, which is eventually going to be consistent across all variants, globally," the memo states. "By Q1 2021, we expect all Model 3 and Model Y vehicles to feature this new unit."

Along with the new pattern design, these headlights are capable of focusing the beam far more precisely than the outgoing units. The new headlight tech may even be upgraded in the future through over-the-air software updates. Safety is the main reason for the update. If you recall, back in 2018 the Model 3 failed to earn the top safety score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for one key reason: headlight performance.

Tesla initiated an update only a few months later which resulted in an improved score, but these new headlights will ensure the sedan and crossover won't encounter any additional safety score downgrades. Some automakers, such as Audi and Porsche, have encountered regulatory problems regarding new headlight technology.

The German automakers' advanced Matrix LED headlights remain illegal in the US due to outdated headlight laws. Several automakers, including these two along with Toyota, have petitioned the NHTSA to change the rule. Tesla's new headlights apparently haven't encountered any approval issues. Eventually, the NHTSA will update the rule and Tesla will surely have an update ready to go.