Does Tesla’s New Model 3 Have HEPA Filters?

EV giant Tesla Inc TSLA might reportedly be adding a HEPA filter to its refreshed Model 3. But until Tesla confirms or denies the report, we just cannot be sure.

What Happened: The refreshed Model 3 was initially reported by Teslarati to be equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA filter, identical to those found in other Tesla models such as the Model S and X. The report cited posters put up by the company on Weibo.

Known for their exceptional ability to filter out fine particulate matter, the HEPA filter is a significant feature in Tesla’s vehicles.

However, several including Tesla-focused news platform Drive Tesla, have flagged that the report might be inaccurate. Tesla’s post on Weibo makes no mention of Model 3 getting HEPA filters, it said, while adding that the poster only talked about HEPA filters while featuring an image of the Model 3 interior. Tesla has also apparently edited the post to replace the image of the Model 3 interior with a picture of Model Y interiors.

Tesla did not immediately respond to Benzinga‘s request for confirmation.

Why It Matters: Until now, the Model 3 was the only vehicle in Tesla’s lineup not to feature the HEPA filter. According to Tesla, air pollution kills twice as many people every year as accidents. But with the HEPA filter, the driver will have the “best possible cabin air quality no matter what is happening in the environment around them.”

Official confirmation of a HEPA filter in the new Model 3 would mean that all Tesla vehicles are now equipped with this air filtering technology, significantly improving in-cabin air quality.