Tesla Model 3 Unveiled: 115 000 Pre-orders Confirmed, Lots of Questions Left Unanswered
Tesla finally lifted the cover off its little Model 3.
Company founder Elon Musk was very clear: everything they did, since the very beginning, led this moment. Their plan was to finance the production of a small, mass-market car with the help of the Model S and the Model X.
Nevertheless, the Model 3 was presented last night in California. As you can see, it looks pretty good.
Smaller than a Model S, Tesla claims it can seat five adults comfortably thanks to the absence of a front-mounted engine, which frees up quite a bit of space.
All the expected versions of the new EV will be compatible with the quick charge systems and with automated pilot technologies.
Pre-orders have begun since this morning, and Tesla have registered more than 115 000 so far. At USD$1,000 each, that’s amounts to a nice lump of cash.
That’s about the only certain information we have so far.
Elon Musk said the car would provide a range of at least 344 km (215 miles), and the base version would sprint from 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) in less than six seconds. A more powerful variant is obviously expected.
Base price has been confirmed at USD$35,000 before income tax credits.
So, is all this good or bad news? Chevrolet is starting the production of a small electric car called the Bolt. It will be sold for USD$30,000 after government credits, and will boast a range of 320 km.
What would make the Model 3 stand apart will be its on-board technology package and a ride quality that is said to be superior, although the latter remains to be seen.
The first cars should be delivered to customers at the end of 2017.
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