Tesla Model 3 Reservations Now Open… For Employees

A Reddit thread appears to show a completed reservation for a Tesla Model 3. Before you call it a fake, Tesla has actually confirmed that employees will get access to reserve a Model 3, at the normal price, ahead of the general public.

The reservations require a $1,000 deposit, which can be made with a credit or debit card, and the amount is fully refundable or can be applied to the purchase of a Model S or X prior to the time that the Model 3 purchase is confirmed.

While it may seem like a minor coup that employees are able to get in line first, it may not have any effect on production order, as Elon stated that higher-optioned builds will be prioritized. This allows Tesla to produce the higher-profit and higher-complexity models first to iron out any kinks and rake in early profile while also rewarding higher-end consumers with an earlier place in line. There’s no word on how long this prioritization will be in effect, but for the early releases, it is sure to be a factor.

Having said that, the confirmation image posted shares that, “You will be invited to configure your Model 3 in the order of your reservation,” which seems to fly in the face of previous reports… though, being able to configure the car first doesn’t necessarily mean it will arrive first. Yet another twist in the long tale that has been the build-up to the Model 3 reveal… and the even longer wait before the first production Model 3 cars hit the streets.