Tesla makes really cool battery powered cars that have the longest range of any electric car on the market. But there is also a very wide gap in price between the all-electric Teslas and conventional gasoline powered cars and hybrids.
And this, probably more than anything else, is what’s keeping Tesla from selling more cars than it does. But this may all change in 2016 as Tesla is planning on launching an “affordable” battery powered auto starting at around $35,000.
.Cheaper?Plunking down 35 Large for any car is a pretty big investment for most people so how can Tesla’s cheaper version, the Model 3, be considered affordable? It’s all relative because Tesla’s big brother, the Model S, clocks in at about $70,000.
So yes, it is cheaper, but considering the $35K price tag, it still may be considered expensive by many. But there is good news to this scenario as there are government rebates for low emissions cars as well as rebates from some states to lower the overall purchase price.
What to ExpectThe Model 3 will have an initial range of 200 miles before charging its batteries. This means the all-electric car will have a battery pack with a capacity of about 70 kWh. The cells will be produced at Tesla’s new battery manufacturing plant just outside of Reno, Nevada.
If the Model 3 has options for larger battery packs this could enhance the distance of the car to 300 miles or more.
There were talks about a possible battery-swappable technology but the company may be backing away from this approach according to a June 2015 investors earnings call meeting.
Not As FlashyFor those who think that they’ll get the signature falcon wing doors or glitzy styling and features, this probably won’t be a reality as the Model 3 will be “less adventurous” than the sportier Model S.
But what owners will have is the best battery powered car made so far, and rest in the knowledge that no matter how high gas prices climb, they’ll be immune to it...as long as they don’t have to travel more than 200-300 total miles.
When?Elon Musk, founder and CEO of Tesla, says he plans to unveil the Model 3 sometime next winter, and will be available for sale later in 2016 or early 2017.
Better start saving your pennies now.
Source:
Consumer Reports