Elon Musk Confirms That Dual-Motor Tesla Model 3 On Track For Mid-2018 Delivery

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In a recent Twitter storm, Tesla CEO Elon Musk provided more details about dual-motor Model 3 delivery timing, noting that it would “probably” be ready in July of this year.

Elon also noted that the critical milestone he and team Tesla are looking at before adding dual motors to the mix is the Model 3 production ramp reaching 5,000 cars/week at the current level of complexity. The company doesn’t want to add any more complexity before hitting that target. Tesla has a long list of features that will eventually come to the Model 3, including Ludicrous mode, dual motors, and the most anticipated option — the Standard Range battery, which is what ultimately gets the car down to its base price of $35,000.

Today, if you want to finalize your order, your Model 3 must be configured with the Long Range battery, a pricey $9,000 option, and the Premium interior package, which is $5,000, making today’s base price Model 3 almost $50,000.

It’s worth noting that the timing Elon is referencing is the timing for the very first people in line for a Model 3 reservation — “probably July” is when they will have the opportunity to order a Model 3 with dual motors. I made 2 reservations just minutes after Tesla first started taking orders. As a Tesla owner in California with a very early reservation, one of my reservations has an option for “Mid 2018” for the “Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive” option.

Sliding the scale back a bit, my second reservation, in which I lose my Tesla owner status since I “only” owned one Tesla vehicle, shows timing for the Dual Motor option slipping to Late 2018. That’s for a reservation made at 10:40 am Pacific time, just 40 minutes after Tesla started taking reservations … and nearly 6 hours after getting in line.

Looking at sales volumes and anecdotal updates from friends and online commenters about the features they’re looking for, it seems the vast majority of them are on hold not for dual motors but for the standard (220 mile) battery pack. Having said that, the fact that Tesla is waiting to achieve its first significant production milestone before adding any further complexity is reassuring. Cranking out 5,000 Model 3 super-sedans per week means 260,000 vehicles per year moving forward — and that many more electric vehicles on the road.


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Kyle Field

I'm a tech geek passionately in search of actionable ways to reduce the negative impact my life has on the planet, save money and reduce stress. Live intentionally, make conscious decisions, love more, act responsibly, play. The more you know, the less you need. As an activist investor, Kyle owns long term holdings in Tesla, Lightning eMotors, Arcimoto, and SolarEdge.

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