5 Facts That Were Just Unveiled About the Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 has made its debut at a special event, although it wasn’t the final production model that was shown.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk took the stage, touching on rising CO2 levels and “revealed” the Tesla Top Secret Master Plan. Musk spoke about the first, low-volume Tesla Roadster, which was a high-priced offering but showed the world that it was possible to make a “great electric car.” He then touched on the successful Model S, a mid-volume, less-high price offering that has really gone out of its way to prove how fast all-electric cars can be. And then there is the recent Model X crossover that helped expand the automaker’s portfolio.
SEE ALSO: Here is Why Tesla is the New Apple
But you’re not here to read about what Tesla has already produced. You’re here to get the details on the new Model 3, an entry-level affordable model that will appeal to the masses. Here are five facts you need to know about the Tesla Model 3.
5. It Will Be Extremely Safe
The presentation kicked off by promising that the Model 3 will get a five-star safety rating in all categories. “It will be an incredibly safe car,” Musk said before getting into more details about the Model 3. Along with being extremely safe, it will fit five adults comfortably, as the instrument panel has been compressed and the front seats have been moved forward. The rear roof area is also one continuous pane of glass to give it additional headroom and a feeling of openness. Musk also said that it will have more cargo capacity than any gas car with similar exterior dimensions, thanks for the front and rear trunks.
4. It Will Have at Least a 215-Mile All-Electric Range
Musk promised that the 215-mile range is the minimum figure and Tesla hopes to exceed that figure. The Model 3 will likely have different variants, with higher-end models offering further range thanks to larger batteries. Every vehicle will also come with Supercharging standard, so even those with range anxiety can rest assured that will be able to head from one Supercharger station to another before running out of range.
3. It Will Go 0-60 MPH in Less Than 6 Seconds
It’s not quite the sub-four-second figure we have heard in rumors, but the Tesla Model 3 will go zero-to-60 mph in less than six seconds. It’s worth noting that is for the base model and Musk does promise that there will be versions of the car that will go much faster.
2. It Will Come Standard with Autopilot
Every single Tesla Model 3 will come standard with Autopilot technology, including all of its safety features.
1. Pricing Starts From $35,000 and You’re Not Getting One Soon
Musk confirmed that pricing will start from $35,000 and even with no options it is a “real good car.” Deliveries will start at the end of next year and Musk feels fairly confident that Tesla will be able to stick to that schedule, unlike the Model X.
Total number of orders in since the company started accepting pre-orders have already passed 115,000. That means unless you currently own a Model S or a Model X, you’re pretty far back in the line.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Yep, let me plunk down a deposit on a car I can't test drive and won't be available for a year and a half ... No thanks.
They need to make an option that comes without the giant-sized, heavy glass roof that will kill range (because you'll need to run the A/C a lot more to account for being in a solarium) for all of the potential owners that live anywhere the sun shines. Other than that, the car looks pretty good.