The Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD introduced in Canada is likely powered by new LFP cells produced by Sunwoda. These feature superior characteristics compared to previous CATL cells, including a 4C charging rate. However, Canadians won’t benefit fully until Tesla unlocks the cells’ full potential in a future software update.
Canada recently signed an agreement with China to lower tariffs on a limited number of EVs imported from China to 6.1%. This prompted Tesla to reconsider its strategy, with the Model 3 now imported from China rather than the US. The Model 3 Premium RWD has an interesting configuration that often makes it better than the US-made counterpart.
The Model 3s produced in Fremont, both as Premium RWD and Standard RWD, feature NMC batteries, albeit with different capacities. However, the cars sold in Canada are Premium trim and are equipped with LFP packs. This chemistry offers the advantage of slower cell degradation and the possibility of charging to 100% on a regular basis. However, there’s another bonus for the Canadian-bound Tesla Model 3.
Reports from China and Canada indicate that the Model 3 Premium RWD will be the first configuration to feature new Sunwoda LFP cells. This follows April news that Tesla added Sunwoda as a new supplier for cheap LFP cells. Tesla intends to keep prices down by making its own modules and packs using the cells bought from Sunwoda. In the case of CATL, the Chinese manufacturer provided Tesla with complete modules.
The Sunwoda cells used in the Model 3 Premium RWD are third-generation LFP cells, enabling charging rates up to 4C. This is consistent with rumors that the Model 3 will support 250 kW DC fast charging. However, Tesla currently lists 175 kW peak charging power on its Canadian website. This is slightly above the 170 kW of the old CATL LFP packs, but the result depends on how long it can sustain high-power charging.
The 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) acceleration time for the Canadian Model 3 Premium RWD has been lowered from 6.1 seconds to 5.2 seconds. This confirms that this variant is equipped with superior LFP cells, enabling a higher power density. Tesla hasn’t unlocked the full charging benefits yet, likely because it still needs to calibrate its battery management system for the new cell supplier.
This has happened in the past when Tesla experimented with the charging performance of new battery cells, including its own 4680 cells. Once it gathers enough data, it can unlock faster charging with a software update. The cells can certainly support higher power, but Tesla must ensure its pack design dissipates thermal buildup efficiently before unlocking higher charging power.
The Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD sold in Canada with Sunwoda LFP cells has an EPA range of 463 km (288 miles), which seems lower than the US-made Standard RWD (321 mi/517 km). Prices start at CA$39,490, which translates into about US$29,000, making the US-made Model 3 Standard RWD (US$36,990) look seriously overpriced.
UPDATE The Shanghai-made Tesla Model 3 RWD exported to Canada is likely equipped with Sunwoda’s fast-charging batteries ⚡️
✅ Its 62.5 kWh battery supports 250 kW ultra-fast charging, putting it on par with the AWD and Performance versions—this is the standard 3C charging… pic.twitter.com/6KUv4SRMeU
— Ming (@tslaming) May 7, 2026