Stories To Follow In 2017: Tesla Model 3

You haven’t heard the end of the Tesla Model 3. How’s that? There are already affordable electric cars on the market. But doesn’t this Tesla offer unprecedented range? Not really, since the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV boasts similar range and will be available long before the Model 3.

The thing is that Tesla has something special. It’s the first vehicle to regularly make headlines in mass media, which don’t usually cover automobile news, unless it’s related to job cuts or union conflicts.

• Also: Stories To Follow In 2017: Electric cars
• Also: Stories To Follow In 2017: Electric vehicles? Probably. Hybrid vehicles? Definitely.

But the Model 3—the California brand’s first affordable car—has already gotten a lot of press and it’s one of the vehicles to watch in 2017. Why?

First, we don’t know what it will look like. The images posted on the internet are just of a pre-production prototype, and the same goes for the vehicles on display at the unveiling.

Second, we still don’t know what its engines and batteries will be—or its price.

And finally, the main issue is going to be whether the Model 3 units will be delivered on time. The first were supposed to come out at the end of 2017. But it’s more likely going to be early 2018—but we’ll be keeping an eye on the news in 2017 for more information about the timing.

And keep in mind that the Model 3 should cost less than $50,000 after government rebates, maybe even $45,000. And its performances are expected to be similar to those of the Volkswagen Golf GTI—but without consuming a drop of gas. If it’s affordable enough for less affluent buyers, the Model 3 could seriously infringe on the territory of cars like the BMW 3 Series.