Tesla Motors unveiled their highly anticipated Model 3 electric vehicle, and while the bookings are opened already, the deliveries of the EV will start only by the end of 2017. The Silicon Valley-based electric vehicle manufacturer has brought the Model 3 into the market for prices starting from $35,000 (INR 23Lakhs). Through the online reservation process, potential buyers can reserve up to 2 units against a booking amount of $1,000 each. Interestingly, Tesla is accepting reservations from India as well.
At the unveil event, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors started off by boasting that the Model 3 will be rated 5 star across all safety categories. Even after being safe and rigidly built the all the variants of the Model 3 are said to accomplish the 0-100kmph phenomenon in under 6 seconds. Also, the company plans to floor more versions of the Model 3 which may go much faster. The 5 seater Tesla Model 3 is claimed to provide around 350kms per charge (EPA ratings). The CEO also mentioned that all the numbers that are mentioned are minimum figures describing the capabilities of the Model 3.
On the visual front, the Model 3 follow the design language as the rest of the Tesla’s, but unlike the Model S and X the Model 3 also skips the front grille. It features clean and smooth design lines. The clean character is also reflected on the interiors with minimal drama. Also, the Model 3 does not have any instrument cluster but features a huge touch screen on top of the centre console.
To grant comfort and room for all occupants, the Model 3 has been designed with a compressed instrument panel and the front seats are pushed a bit ahead towards the front giving extra leg room at the back. The rear section of the roof comprises one single piece of glass. Since there is no combustion engine, the Model 3 features storage space at the rear as well as in the front, flaunting more storage space than any fuel powered vehicle with the same external dimensions.
Along with revealing the Tesla Model 3, the EVmaker also spoke about their Gigafactory that will absorb the entire world’s li-ion battery production. The facility is claimed to produce more batteries than the all the other battery makers in the world combined. Tesla is also planning to double their Superchargers and quadruple destination chargers worldwide by the end of next year.
Tesla, the officials have confirmed that deliveries will be spread out depending on region, as different regions of the world demand production alterations. Once the production commences, the Model 3 will be brought to Europe, Asia Pacific regions and right-hand-drive markets such as India and the UK.
Elon Musk Tesla Motor CEO tweeted further information of the availability of the Model 3 –
Adding several more countries to Model 3 order page tonight. Check for details, but will include India, Brazil, SA, SK, NZ, Sing & Ireland.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 31, 2016
For now, not much of the in-depth details of the Tesla Model 3 and its variants are available. Tesla’s online reservations program has already garnered 1,00,000 booking in just a day and is increasing. Here is the video of the unveil event followed by the image gallery.
