Countdown on for Tesla’s Model 3
Tesla boss Elon Musk has revealed the specifications for two new versions of the Model 3, the car intended to be the company’s first high-volume vehicle.
The performance version, and a less expensive dual-motor, all-wheeldrive option for the company’s Model 3 sedan come as Musk faces pressure from investors to reform Tesla’s ninemember board in the wake of production delays for the model.
Deliveries will begin in July, he said in tweets posted on Sunday.
However the right-hand drive Model 3 is not due for production until halfway through 2019.
The performance Model 3 — also dual-motor and all-wheel-drive — will have a 500km range, and accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.
For US$78,000 excluding an autopilot option, customers can push the vehicle to a top speed of 250km/ h, Musk said on Twitter.
The cost is about the same as a BMW M3, “but 15 per cent quicker” he said.
The cost of the usual dual-motor AWD option is US$5000, Musk said. That version also has a range of 500km, but takes a second longer to reach 100km per hour and has a top speed of 225km/h. One motor is optimised for power and one for range, Musk said.
Tesla, whose Model 3 is set to compete with BMW’s 3-Series and upcoming i4 electric sedan, has repeatedly pushed back production targets and temporarily halted assembly lines to rework them.
Musk said Tesla owners would also soon be able to request ranger services — when a technician comes to your car to fix it — with a few taps on their phones.