The Tesla Model 3 is an all-new electric car set to become the automaker's first mass-market vehicle after the Model S premium sport sedan and the recently-released Model X crossover.
Although much speculation has surrounded Tesla's newest model, close to nothing has officially been disclosed regarding its specs. Information from Tesla CEO Elon Musk has pointed to a starting price of around $35,000 and an electric driving range of at least 200 miles. The increase in range will undoubtedly be a strong selling point in comparison to current models like the Nissan LEAF, which tops out at 107 miles with an upgraded 30-kWh lithium-ion battery.
Tesla will debut the Model 3 on March 31 at a special event in Southern California. At the same time, the automaker will begin taking reservations via its company website. Prospective buyers will be able to place a reservation with a refundable deposit of $1,000, according to Tesla's company blog.
According to Green Car Reports, consensus among industry insiders is that the earliest deliveries will likely be sometime in late 2017. Wider production will reportedly depend on the successful roll-out of Tesla's "Gigafactory" plant in Nevada.
2017 is shaping up to be an important year for electric cars. With the unveiling of the production Chevrolet Bolt EV by GM, shoppers are set to have at least two compelling choices in electric cars with impressive range priced in the mid-$30,000s. GM says the Bolt will start at $37,500 before incentives, potentially resulting in a sub-$30,000 price after state and federal incentives.
Alternatively, plug-in vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt have made progress in introducing shoppers to electrified driving through a slick and efficient package, plus attractive deals. The updated 2017 Volt features improvements over the limited-run 2016 car like adaptive cruise control and enhanced connectivity. Most notably, the 2017 Volt is the first version of the car to be sold nationally after a limited roll-out of the 2016 model in a handful of regions like California, Oregon and the Northeast.
Rumors have also swirled about a new compact crossover based on the Model 3. However, no official information has been revealed.
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