Tesla Launches $35,000 Standard Model 3

[cageymaru]

Tesla has announced that it is now taking orders for the $35,000 standard Model 3. The electric car will feature 220 miles of range, a top speed of 130 mph and 0-60 mph acceleration of 5.6 seconds. No compromises in safety were made from the longer-range version. A Model 3 Standard Range Plus is available for a $2,000 premium over the standard Model 3. It will feature 240 miles of range, a top speed of 140 mph, 0-60 mph acceleration of just 5.3 seconds and an upgraded interior. New firmware upgrades for new and existing customers were revealed. These upgrades will increase the range of the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 to 325 miles, increase the top speed of Model 3 Performance to 162 mph, and add an average of approximately 5% peak power to all Model 3 vehicles.

Tesla declared it is shifting sales worldwide to online only. Tesla says the checkout process will take about a minute on a phone. Shifting sales online has allowed the company to lower vehicle prices by 6% on average and meet its $35,000 Model 3 price point earlier than expected. A few stores will remain open as galleries, showcases and Tesla information centers. Tesla had this to say about servicing its cars, "At the same time, we will be increasing our investment in the Tesla service system, with the goal of same-day, if not same-hour service, and with most service done by us coming to you, rather than you coming to us. Moreover, we guarantee service availability anywhere in any countries in which we operate."

We are also making it much easier to try out and return a Tesla, so that a test drive prior to purchase isn't needed. You can now return a car within 7 days or 1,000 miles for a full refund. Quite literally, you could buy a Tesla, drive several hundred miles for a weekend road trip with friends and then return it for free. With the highest consumer satisfaction score of any car on the road, we are confident you will want to keep your Model 3.

 

[maxius]

this sounds good but winter on these cars must be fun

 

[[Spectre]]

Again, but will they sell it this time?

 

[Reimu]

this sounds good but winter on these cars must be fun

All right, here's the plus and minus with the LEAF that I drive during winter.
Range wise we lose about 1/3 or so. For that loss, you get electric heating (which comes on immediately instead of about 10min for normal cars) and preheating even via phone for as long as you want as long as you've got an outlet.
Car will turn on even if you leave it out freezing for days on end since there is no liquid whatsoever with the powertrain.
EV's battery will need to be kept somewhat warm. Something around 20F is about as low as you want them to be at.

If you are the kind of guy who leaves the car out cold and have a few feet of snow piled on top of it, the EV may actually be easier to deal with.

 

[steakman1971]

Again, but will they sell it this time?

A knew a few college students a few years back that were going to buy these, couldn't do it. We will see.
I think the one guy told me there was a couple year waiting list back then...if Tesla can build/sell these, seems like there is at least demand.

 

[HockeyJon]

They should concentrate on solving their initial quality problems and meeting existing demand before launching new products. Musk is trying to do way too much at once without the appropriate infrastructure to do it.

 

[Eshelmen]

They should concentrate on solving their initial quality problems and meeting existing demand before launching new products. Musk is trying to do way too much at once without the appropriate infrastructure to do it.

There are thousands of model 3's parked at the Fremont Factory and ready to ship, supply and demand is not an issue. I know from professional and personal experience.

 

[Krazy925]

There are thousands of model 3's parked at the Fremont Factory and ready to ship, supply and demand is not an issue. I know from professional and personal experience.

Lol I drive by that lot all the time too.

Also I think there’s a huge lot in Sunnyvale but I always get those towns messed up down there.

 

[DukenukemX]

I thought these cars were already $35k? What year is this?

 

[Accursed]

Kinda cool that existing models get a few upgrades. Mine will now have a 325 mile range! So charging it to 90% will now get me almost 300.

It's really amazing to think how much the car has improved in the year I've had it.

 

[Zarathustra[H]]

I'm waiting for something larger, something Model S sized to ht this price.

The Model 3 is too small, too ugly, and the interior is god awful.

I won't buy any vehicle without a traditional instrument cluster and tactile physical buttons in the dash.

 

[DarkStryke]

I need a 4 door hatch, a trunk just isn't in the cards for a lot of people versus the versatility a hatch grants.

 

[TrailRunner]

The online-only sales model that they’re rolling out is super interesting. Several states have blocked them from opening stores because of lobbying from the auto dealership special interest groups, I guess that this is their way of putting that matter to rest for good. It’s an interesting innovation, I hope that it works out for them and doesn’t result in a lot of returns.

 

[Reimu]

I'm waiting for something larger, something Model S sized to ht this price.
The Model 3 is too small, too ugly, and the interior is god awful.
I won't buy any vehicle without a traditional instrument cluster and tactile physical buttons in the dash.

I don't know if it makes any sense to have a traditional cluster. i like tactile physical buttons, but everything is digital now to the point that we could be driving in a glass bubble cabin.

 

[MikeTrike]

Everybody else is just so far behind at this point... The 2020's are going to be super interesting. The $35k Model 3 is sitting just under the Bolt and Kona.

I'd buy a used Bolt because it's kinda ugly, I wouldn't Mind a Kona they look decent and perform well from what I've seen.

https://evrater.com/evs

A decade and a half and a half and it's tipping, I'm excited for the next decade of everyone going balls deep in trying to out-EV the other guys.

If this isn't one big step closer to individual liberty I don't know what is...

People can still own horses.

Music to my ears. Sounds like galloping to me.

 

[EODetroit]

Finally get to buy one. Timing isn't good until May or June but I do want to get it before the tax credit goes down by another half.

 

[[Spectre]]

There are thousands of model 3's parked at the Fremont Factory and ready to ship, supply and demand is not an issue. I know from professional and personal experience.

So what's the qc like on those parked models?

 

[refraxion]

Damn, when its good news for Tesla, these threads aren't anywhere near as busy hey? I just watched the dumbest video on youtube by CNBC regarding today's announcement. What a bunch of clowns. 35K USD is a good thing for everybody -- they were saying Tesla couldn't make enough of them so why bother with a 35K model? Maybe because now the 35K tesla model 3 can destroy most competition around its price range for EV's.

 

[refraxion]

So what's the qc like on those parked models?

Outside of cosmetic issues that I've seen mostly complained about, there is hardly any "major" game breaking issues.

 

[[Spectre]]

Outside of cosmetic issues that I've seen mostly complained about, there is hardly any "major" game breaking issues.

So, when everyone bitched about malaise era that was cool?

 

[MarkVI]

I see these things around here (NJ) all the time. The concept is nice, but for that kind of money what's with the crappy looking tablet stapled to the dash? Do we really want drivers looking down and away from the road to adjust the climate control or see the speedometer?

Physical buttons are objectively superior when driving (you don't have to look at them to press them). All cars should have physical buttons for the radio and climate control for safety reasons alone.

 

[NKD]

I see these things around here (NJ) all the time. The concept is nice, but for that kind of money what's with the crappy looking tablet stapled to the dash? Do we really want drivers looking down and away from the road to adjust the climate control or see the speedometer?

Physical buttons are objectively superior when driving (you don't have to look at them to press them). All cars should have physical buttons for the radio and climate control for safety reasons alone.

You are judging it based on looking at it and not based off experience. I have been in one few times with my friend when we commute every other week to head office. Its mostly automated, and controls are very well laid out. I was pretty amazed at how easy it was to use. Plus the damn thing drove us all the way to office on freeway on its own. Fricking drove through traffic like a champ on the freeway. Plus climate control makes it so you really don't have to mess with much. All the controls are right there in your face and doesn't take much to get used to it. I thought the same when I saw it but after being in one I realized I couldn't have been more wrong.

I will mention again this shit has state of art collision detection. If there was one car If I had to look down it it would be Tesla lol. Its very quick to react, This big rig turned it to our lane and it detected it like a champ and slowed down to avoid any accident. It was a treat to watch.

 

[focbde]

There are thousands of model 3's parked at the Fremont Factory and ready to ship, supply and demand is not an issue. I know from professional and personal experience.

Having thousands of cars parked up doesn't mean they're not already allocated - it's the standard method of production and shipping. Here in Germany I frequently drive past thousands upon thousands of newly built BMWs which are all built-to-order - there is a delay inbetween from production to shipping, sort of like an overflow tank. Cars trickle in one side, and trickle out the other.

 

[focbde]

You are judging it based on looking at it and not based off experience. I have been in one few times with my friend when we commute every other week to head office. Its mostly automated, and controls are very well laid out. I was pretty amazed at how easy it was to use. Plus the damn thing drove us all the way to office on freeway on its own. Fricking drove through traffic like a champ on the freeway. Plus climate control makes it so you really don't have to mess with much. All the controls are right there in your face and doesn't take much to get used to it. I thought the same when I saw it but after being in one I realized I couldn't have been more wrong.

I will mention again this shit has state of art collision detection. If there was one car If I had to look down it it would be Tesla lol. Its very quick to react, This big rig turned it to our lane and it detected it like a champ and slowed down to avoid any accident. It was a treat to watch.

Technically speaking Teslas are amazing, it's just such a shame the interior is so lacklustre - I also having been in one don't like the lack of independent stalks for certain features which I think definitely SHOULDN'T only be accessible through the touchscreen.

Regarding the interior, Tesla will no doubt improve on that front as well.

 

[NKD]

Technically speaking Teslas are amazing, it's just such a shame the interior is so lacklustre - I also having been in one don't like the lack of independent stalks for certain features which I think definitely SHOULDN'T only be accessible through the touchscreen.

Regarding the interior, Tesla will no doubt improve on that front as well.

I could agree. the interior did look basic in his car. Like the emptiness was there.

 

[DKS]

CBC has some comments on EV's and cold weather performance of batteries in our environment. Not yet ready for prime time.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/national-electric-vehicles-advances-1.5019046

 

[Vaulter98c]

Still waiting on the 400 mile truck.... please... lol

 

[ryno9100]

So, honest question here. If I buy a Tesla Model 3, I obviously don't need to buy gas for the car. However, my electricity bill is going to shoot up, as I don't live anywhere with the Tesla charging stations. Would the amount I'm saving in gas offset the amount my electric bill goes up? Would I end up paying for in the end, or less?

I know electricity prices vary across the nation, but I suppose I'm just speaking in more of a general sense.

 

[lostin3d]

We can't afford this still but it's getting closer and that $2000 upgrade to me would be worth it since those extra 60 miles puts you much close to what would be needed for commuting and still having enough left over for some shopping. I also like that much of the tech has been around long enough to be somewhat established now.

 

[Bees]

So, honest question here. If I buy a Tesla Model 3, I obviously don't need to buy gas for the car. However, my electricity bill is going to shoot up, as I don't live anywhere with the Tesla charging stations. Would the amount I'm saving in gas offset the amount my electric bill goes up? Would I end up paying for in the end, or less?

I know electricity prices vary across the nation, but I suppose I'm just speaking in more of a general sense.

A recent study from the University of Michigan found most Americans will spend less than half of what one normally would on fuel. The potential to save more exists if you have real-time pricing available to you by your energy provider.

 

[ryno9100]

A recent study from the University of Michigan found most Americans will spend less than half of what one normally would on fuel. The potential to save more exists if you have real-time pricing available to you by your energy provider.

Full study here for anyone else interested. Thanks for the lead, Bees! I guess I could say you're the bee's knees!

 

[nightanole]

Remember when the model 3 came out, and the only way to get one was to order it LOADED? If you just wanted the 45-50k one, you were waiting months, the decked out ones where shipping out within weeks of ordering.

 

[Darunion]

So, honest question here. If I buy a Tesla Model 3, I obviously don't need to buy gas for the car. However, my electricity bill is going to shoot up, as I don't live anywhere with the Tesla charging stations. Would the amount I'm saving in gas offset the amount my electric bill goes up? Would I end up paying for in the end, or less?

I know electricity prices vary across the nation, but I suppose I'm just speaking in more of a general sense.

Roughly at 75KWhr for the battery, electric by me is .14 /kwhr, which I will assume there is a level of power loss as well for the converter. will say about $12 to fill it and get about 220miles, so about 18cents a mile?

My numbers are rough and probably wrong, Haven't had coffee yet. Please someone fix it if I am off by too much.

I would like to know the life span of the car and cost of repairs over time for a good sense of savings/cost. Less parts sure is nice though.

 

[Dayaks]

Roughly at 75KWhr for the battery, electric by me is .14 /kwhr, which I will assume there is a level of power loss as well for the converter. will say about $12 to fill it and get about 220miles, so about 18cents a mile?

My numbers are rough and probably wrong, Haven't had coffee yet. Please someone fix it if I am off by too much.

I would like to know the life span of the car and cost of repairs over time for a good sense of savings/cost. Less parts sure is nice though.

I calculated about $0.06/mile. About the same as a hybrid. Except a hybrid doesn’t get mileage halved (ok, maybe 30-40% reduction) in winter...

 

[travisty]

I see these things around here (NJ) all the time. The concept is nice, but for that kind of money what's with the crappy looking tablet stapled to the dash? Do we really want drivers looking down and away from the road to adjust the climate control or see the speedometer?

Physical buttons are objectively superior when driving (you don't have to look at them to press them). All cars should have physical buttons for the radio and climate control for safety reasons alone.

The model 3 is designed for the future where it drives itself. As a Model 3 owner I can say there's no difference between buttons on a well designed interface and classical buttons. Looks a hell of a lot nicer too without all those ugly buttons filling the car's dash

 

[travisty]

I calculated about $0.06/mile. About the same as a hybrid. Except a hybrid doesn’t get mileage halved (ok, maybe 30-40% reduction) in winter...

Actually the cost is 3 cents per mile with electricity @ 12 cents /kWh (average us price) and even cheaper for me with 8 cents and actually free for me after the price of solar panels.

At least for the Model 3 I have not seen much in the way of reduced milage in Co. I'm still able to drive upwards of 280 miles in 30 degree temps

 

[travisty]

So, honest question here. If I buy a Tesla Model 3, I obviously don't need to buy gas for the car. However, my electricity bill is going to shoot up, as I don't live anywhere with the Tesla charging stations. Would the amount I'm saving in gas offset the amount my electric bill goes up? Would I end up paying for in the end, or less?

I know electricity prices vary across the nation, but I suppose I'm just speaking in more of a general sense.

How much does your electricity cost per kWh? At 12 cents per kWh, the Model 3 costs about 3 cents per mile. For comparison a 40 mile/gal car costs roughly 6 cents per miles with gas at $2.50 / gal

If you buy a Tesla you really should get a 40 amp 240 volt plug put into you garage for charging at night (the cars come with a portable charger so you don't have to buy one seperatly). Tesla's super chargers are great but cost roughly the same as gas - 6 to 7 cents per mile

 

[thejokker]

Ha... For far less money my VW GTI will do all of that and I don't have to worry about range.

 

[Dayaks]

Actually the cost is 3 cents per mile with electricity @ 12 cents /kWh (average us price) and even cheaper for me with 8 cents and actually free for me after the price of solar panels.

At least for the Model 3 I have not seen much in the way of reduced milage in Co. I'm still able to drive upwards of 280 miles in 30 degree temps

https://seekingalpha.com/article/4160351-tesla-model-3-costs-charge-gasoline-car

Guess it depends what you use. This article says a Tesla supercharger costs more per mile than a gas car.

I sit next to a guy who owns a tesla and he has 30% range reduction. There’s also a ton of owner accounts on forums...
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/33-range-loss-in-cold-winter-conditions.106072/

Overall electric cars don’t make logical sense in any way. And gas is a pretty small cost of ownership.

Also your solar isn’t “free”. You’d have to add up your initial costs + maitenance and divide by total useful kwh....

 

[travisty]

https://seekingalpha.com/article/4160351-tesla-model-3-costs-charge-gasoline-car

Guess it depends what you use. This article says a Tesla supercharger costs more per mile than a gas car.

I sit next to a guy who owns a tesla and he has 30% range reduction. There’s also a ton of owner accounts on forums...
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/33-range-loss-in-cold-winter-conditions.106072/

Overall electric cars don’t make logic sense in any way. And gas is a pretty small cost of ownership...

Super charger cost are different from station to station. 6 - 7 cents per mile is what I payed driving to the Grand canyon and back from northern Colorado. Lol at seeking alpha, they very much want Tesla to fail and their forcasts about Tesla have been wrong

Notice the video you linked in the forums says no preconditioning on either leg. That's not real world for most. If the car is plugged in at night it will keep the battery warmer and it'll perform better going to the destonation. If you can plug in at the destination the range decrease largely goes away.

Those who say EVs are not ready just don't analyze what others are saying and apply logic at this point.

As an owner of a Model 3 I can say that range does decrease but for the most part it can mitigated. There are also superchargers and level 2 charging in many many locations so worst case you can get some extra charge if ever needed