Tesla has updated the front trunk of Model 3, also called the frunk, by making it a little smaller. It’s not yet clear why, but it may actually be good news.
Model 3 has seen several “under the hood” updates since its launch three years ago, but it has not seen many customer-changing hardware changes.
Now, Tesla has updated the front end of the Model 3 with a slightly different design that is apparently a bit smaller than the previous version of the frunk of the electric sedan.
Several new Tesla buyers who took over delivery of Model 3 cars in the last week or so have reported the change, which Tesla did not announce until after delivery.
Tyler Nelson shared some photos of his brand new Model 3 frank with Electrek:
Nelson ordered his Model 3 earlier this month and took delivery last week, but the build date shows that it was built last month.
Here is the difference with my own Model 3 (2018) front trunk:
As you can see, although the overall opening is equal in size, the new frunk has larger trims at the top and at the sides that leave the cargo space smaller.
Here is another comparison between the two frunks (old on the left and new on the right):
Many Tesla owners speculate on social media that the change is in preparation for Tesla adding a hot pump in the Model 3, which would take up more space in the front of the car and could explain the smaller front door.
Tesla launched the Model Y, which is built on the same architecture as the Model 3, with a heat pump expected to improve efficiency in colder climates.
However, it’s still a theory, and it does not look like new Model 3 cars are currently equipped with a heat pump.
Electrek checked the Model 3 parts catalog, and as of today, no heat pump has been added to the list.
Electrek’s Take
I think the theory has contributed something, but we can not know for sure at this time.
Personally, I would like to take a smaller frunk for a heat pump. I hardly use the frunk, and I would bet that most Tesla owners only use the frunk on rare occasions.
Now it’s a bummer for owners in the middle of the transition who would get the smaller frunk without the heat pump or other improvements.
There are rumors at the moment that Tesla has updated the Model 3 headlights and added a powered lift case, but I’m talking to a few people who took delivery of new Model 3 cars this week, and they’ve made those changes not – although they are the new frunk.
If you are taking the delivery of a new Model 3 or have more information on this, please let me know: [email protected].
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