Tesla increased the range of the base Model 3 RWD sold in Europe from 534 km to 572 km. The carmaker credited new tires for the improvement, but that proved highly controversial. The new OEM tires that ship on the Model 3 RWD in Europe are made by Giti, an Asian manufacturer. European owners highlighted poor quality, with the tire thread falling apart at low mileage.
Rarely has such a significant range improvement in an electric vehicle caused such drama. On Friday evening, when the average European prepared for a good night’s sleep, Tesla updated the Model 3 RWD range on its European websites. Instead of the previous 534 km (332 mi) WLTP range, the base variant of the Model 3 is now listed with 572 km (355 mi). That’s a massive 7% improvement that many thought was only possible with significant software and/or hardware upgrades.
However, Tesla clarified that it only changed the tires, without offering other explanations. People disputed this claim as impossible solely as a result of a new tire compound. After all, if a tire manufacturer could make such an improvement in an EV, it would become an instant hit with EV manufacturers. Unless, of course, there are other compromises required for this improved efficiency.
Instead, people dug into old news about battery changes that could explain the range boost. Some even uncovered reports about a Sunwoda partnership that has still not appeared in certification documents. However, a look at the stated consumption confirms that the battery capacity hasn’t changed. The range improvement is entirely derived from lowering the consumption to 12.2 kWh/100 km, down from 13.1 kWh/100 km.
Did Tesla change the drive unit in the RWD Model 3 to a new part that is more efficient? We have no idea, but I guess Tesla would’ve said so if it did. Current homologation information doesn’t show any new configuration certified in Europe. This might confirm that the new tires entirely justify the improvement. However, this doesn’t make them any less controversial.
Photo: @TodosElectricos, @Isilopez_101 via X
The new tires are made by Giti, an Indonesian tire manufacturer that is virtually unknown outside Asia. The model is Giti GitiControl P10, which has equipped the Model 3 RWD sold in Europe for a while. They have been installed on cars that were delivered in some European markets as early as May, when I took a test drive in the same Model 3 RWD trim.
According to tire tests, the GitiControl P10 tires are not that bad, outperforming other tires in wet conditions. However, they are not stellar, and the efficiency gains suggest compromises were made in other areas, like dry braking and durability. Tests and owner reports indicate that Giti tires are generally noisier than premium tires, even though I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary during my brief test drive.
However, the worst part is that owners who already had them on their Teslas reported that the build quality is not on par with Tesla’s premium status. Reports indicate that the tire thread on Giti falls apart after just a few thousand kilometers. Even those installed on the front axle deteriorate, with dozens of pictures and videos shared on social media showing moderate to severe damage. This could become a serious safety problem that Tesla should address as fast as possible.
However, Tesla has been dismissive of the issue, as some owners reported. Instead of acknowledging that Giti tires disintegrate even when they are mounted on the front axle on an RWD car, they blamed the owners for accelerating too hard. Instead of a solution, Tesla recommended that drivers not step on the accelerator too hard, especially during cornering.
Model 3 now comes with 572km of range (up from 534km previously), thanks to new tires pic.twitter.com/n1WiqXytsM
— Tesla Europe, Middle East & Africa (@teslaeurope) August 28, 2026
Añado video donde se ven kms, marca, modelo y algunas de los pequeños mordicos que van saliendo…
Abriré un caso con Tesla a ver que dicen, pero me da que a menos que muchos nos quejemos de primeras se limpiarán las manos. Os informaré de ello pic.twitter.com/yUmrUSB1R1
— Iñigo (@X_iarrieta) August 29, 2026
Los neumáticos Giti de Tesla tienen un problema
Varios propietarios me han contactado para mostrar esto… pic.twitter.com/7bqsF9B0c5
— Todos Eléctricos (@TodosElectricos) August 29, 2026