Compact design, safety and the most affordable price are the strengths of the 3rd element of Tesla's electric car family.
As expected, the first part of the Tesla Model 3 presentation took place yesterday in Los Angeles, California. The CEO of the American brand, Elon Musk, proudly presented its new five-seat premium compact saloon, without a doubt one of the vehicles of the moment in the land of Uncle Sam.
In Apple's good fashion, several customers lined up at the door to secure the Model 3's reservation, despite the fact that the launch is only scheduled for the end of 2017.
According to Tesla, the new model – 100% electric, of course – intends to accelerate the transition to sustainable means of transport and overthrow the supremacy of German brands in the luxury compact segment. In fact, the Tesla Model 3 is the result of the brand's effort to produce a more affordable model (less than half the value of the Model S), but which still does not give up autonomy – around 346 km in a single charge thanks to new batteries. Lithium Ion – nor from auto-driving technologies.
On the outside, the Model 3 boasts the same design lines characteristic of the brand, but with a more compact, dynamic and versatile architecture. Furthermore, according to the brand, the new model achieved the maximum rating in all safety standards.
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Inside the cabin, although the instrument panel has been redesigned, the 15-inch touchscreen continues to stand out and is now in a horizontal position (unlike the Model S), more visible in the driver's field of vision. The interior offers more comfort and an open space feel thanks to the glass roof.
Tesla did not release details about the engines, but according to the brand, accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are fulfilled in just 6.1 seconds. It seems, similarly to the Model S and Model X, there will be even more powerful versions. “At Tesla, we don't make slow cars,” assured Elon Musk.
Contrary to what usually happens in the industry, Tesla chose to be responsible for the sale and distribution of its new model. As such, the sale of the Tesla Model 3 is prohibited in some US states, where the law requires manufacturers to resort to distribution of their vehicles through dealerships.
The remaining technical details will be revealed in the second part of the presentation, which will take place closer to the production phase. In addition, the brand's plans include a program that will double the network of stores and charging stations around the world. About 115,000 customers have already placed an order for the Tesla Model 3, which is available in the US at a price starting at $35,000.
