In the first presentation of the Tesla Model 3 , which took place in 2016, Elon Musk announced, with pomp and circumstance, that his “electric for the masses” would cost 35 thousand dollars , around 30 800 euros.
As we know, the events that followed after its arrival on the market, towards the end of 2017, told another story…
The first Model 3 came with a price of $49,000 , as they all came off the troubled production line with the most equipment and the biggest battery pack. The justification? A necessary profitability to alleviate the hemorrhage of money from which he was suffering.
The $35,000 access variant would have to wait… Even before that, the more expensive Dual Motor versions appeared, which raised the average purchase price of the Model 3 to a little “democratic” $60,000 (around €52,800) .
Cost reduction
The scenario however improved. Problem solving on the production line and increasing production numbers have made the Tesla Model 3 a bestseller, with the US builder reporting profits in the last two quarters of 2018.The pieces finally fell into place so that the Model 3 for the $35,000 could be released without harming Tesla.
Some measures also contributed to this, with the aim of reducing operating costs. The first involves the reduction of the workforce (a first reduction had already taken place last July), with the announced reduction of 7% of employees — it is estimated that this will amount to more than 3000 jobs.
Another measure relates to the act of purchasing any Tesla model that will be exclusively online . Several Tesla stores have already closed in the US, keeping only a few in strategic locations, which will serve as information points or galleries.
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The $35,000 Model 3
The Model 3 access version, of course, is the one with the smallest battery pack — this version is called Standard Range . Even so, the estimated maximum autonomy is 354 km (data from the North American version).
It will only have two drive wheels, and fulfills the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.6s, reaching a top speed of 210 km/h . A new version of the interior also debuts, simply called “Standard”, where the adjustment of the seats (covered in fabric) and steering is manual, and the audio system is the most basic.
This access version is accompanied by another, the Standard Plus , which, for another 2000 dollars, adds not only more autonomy (386 km), but better performance — 5.3s at 0-60 mph and 225 km/h of top speed — as well as an enriched interior, called Partial Premium, that adds electric and heated front seats (with “premium” coating) and heated, an improved audio system, among others.
Orders for the $35,000 Tesla Model 3 have already opened in North America, with first deliveries due in four weeks' time. And to Europe? We will have to wait between three to six months.
More updates
The arrival of the cheapest Tesla Model 3 also served as an opportunity for some updates. Among the firmware updates announced, whether for new or existing customers, the Long Range variant with only two drive wheels saw its range increased to 523 km (data for the North American version); the Performance version went on to reach a maximum speed of 260 km/h instead of 250 km/h; and all Model 3s now deliver approximately 5% higher peak power — v2.0 automobile, no doubt…