The Tesla Model Y may be getting an important range upgrade in the form of an "ultra-long range" version of the EV.

This is according to a report by The Driven, which cites "documents filed with Chinese authorities." If true, this would mean that Tesla is not satisfied with its range performance, even though it far exceeds that of its competitors.

The Model Y is currently one of Tesla's least impressive models in this regard, so much so that Tesla scrapped the standard range model of the car because it could only go 244 miles. Incidentally, Tesla boss Elon Musk has previously declared that a range of 250 miles or less is "unacceptably low."

Thus, in the U.S., only the more expensive Long Range and Performance Model Y are available, with ranges of 326 and 303 miles, respectively. Currently, the Standard Range Model Y can only be purchased in Hong Kong.

The Driven reports that the new Model Y will be available from China and, based on NEDC testing, can travel 640 km (397 miles). Apparently, the actual driving range will be closer to 550 km (460 miles), which is 565 km (351 miles) by US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards.

While this may not seem like a huge stretch, it is worth pointing out that these are real-world estimates and will be lower than the advertised range. And since EPA ranges are often higher than NEDC, we can probably expect this model to offer around 400 miles if this car is introduced in the US and the reports are accurate.

This is well above the long-range Model Y's 326 miles and indicates that Tesla plans to continually push the limits of range.

Musk has previously stated that there is little point in EVs offering more than 400 miles of range, saying, "What we're seeing is that if you have more than 400 miles of range, it really doesn't matter what more range you have. The range above 400 miles where the driver doesn't have to stop for a restroom, a meal, a coffee, etc., is essentially zero.

But even so, range concerns are real, so it makes sense that Tesla would try to get as close to 400 miles as possible. And if Tesla improves the stamina of its cars, other automakers will do the same. Whatever your opinion of Tesla, it is safe to say that they are a pioneer in the EV world, and if they do something, everyone else will take notice.

It is also worth pointing out that, overall, the Tesla Model Y has the worst range of any Tesla vehicle. After all, the Long Range and Performance Model 3 have ranges of 353 and 315 miles, respectively. They are also priced $4,000 less than the Model Y.

In other words, if Tesla could give the Model Y 400 miles (or so) of range, who knows what it could add to other cars. The Tesla Cybertruck could go over 500 miles without recharging, and the now-discontinued Tesla Model S Plaid Plus was supposed to offer 520 miles. The next Tesla Roadster is even said to go a whopping 620 miles on a single charge.

These cars have limited space for batteries, which limits their size. However, we know from Tesla's Battery Day presentation that they are working on packing more energy into smaller batteries.

Sadly, The Driven reports that there is no word on how big the "super long range" Model Y battery is likely to be, so we don't know if this is actually what happened here. Also, the size of the Model Y means that there is room for a larger battery pack anyway.

In any case, the report paints a rosy picture for Tesla's future and can only encourage other automakers to follow suit.