Tesla Model 3 Base Version Looming After AWD Specs Reveal

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Originally published on opportunity:energy

After a long, agonizing wait (at least for a reservation holder like myself), Elon Musk has finally provided some important details of the upcoming dual-motor/all-wheel-drive and Performance versions of the Tesla Model 3. As usual, the information came via a series of tantalizing updates on Twitter (thoroughly dissected by Zach a few days ago).

Performance Model 3 will cost $78,000 in the US and boast 0–60 mph acceleration in 3.5 seconds with a 155 mph top speed and the same 310 miles (~500 km) of range as the current rear-wheel-drive long-range battery version. The standard AWD version will be a $5,000 option and give the car 0–60 mph acceleration in 4.5 seconds with a 140 mph top speed (range unchanged). These options will feature Tesla’s signature dual-motor layout, with an electric motor on each axle to optimise performance and range and — as Musk put it — make sure you safely get home even if a motor breaks down.

This update was well overdue, as the AWD version of Model 3 will likely prove a very popular option and many among the half-million reservation holders have been waiting for it before deciding to confirm their order. The Performance variant, despite representing a niche for Model 3 and a big jump in price to Model S territory, is sure to magnetize attention from car enthusiasts and specialized press alike, and should help drive continuing demand for the standard versions well into the future. Musk promises it will be 15% quicker than a BMW M3 and boast better handling.

Not that the base AWD model will leave much to desire in terms of performance, for over $20,000 less. It wouldn’t be surprising, once some statistics become available, if the long-range AWD Model 3 becomes the most popular version of Tesla’s latest offering. With a price tag over $50,000 plus taxes in the US (and arguably a higher figure in euros on the Old Continent), the new addition will help to bring Tesla to profitability as early Model 3 production continues to gradually ramp up from the trickle of late 2017 to the over 3,000 per week of recent May news.

A reversal of long-term quarterly losses is now seen as crucial for Tesla’s progress, not just by mainstream media and usual detractors, but also by Musk himself, who has also confirmed in further tweets that Model 3’s short-range $35,000 base version will be made available 3 to 6 months after the 5,000 units/week target is achieved. That’s another important update giving some rest to rumors doubting future availability of the least expensive Tesla. Focus will now be on further improving the Model 3 production rate from the alleged 3,000 per week to the long promised 5,000+ over the next month or two.

This also makes it more clear why the estimated delivery of $35,000 Model 3’s is simply “Late 2018,” and how or why that estimate might change again. Producing 5,000+ Model 3’s per week isn’t just about more quickly working through the reservation backlog, but is also the critical marker for when we can finally prep for delivery of a $35,000 Tesla.

The Twitter unveil of AWD details is reassuring, as it means Tesla is progressing well along the ramp curve and is bound to make the dual-motor versions available for delivery in the near future. With orders for these options soon to pile in, this summer will likely see Tesla meet its production targets between July and August, all the while reducing losses if not reaching profitability by that time. Musk’s company will then be able to focus on the long awaited $35,000 version that many, right or wrong, see as the real achievement.

While it’s not yet sure whether it will prove to be the most popular Model 3 option, the cheapest Tesla should arrive by year end and will find its way into the more competitive market of sub $40,000 electric cars from the likes of Nissan, GM, Kia, and Hyundai, with further competition coming next year (particularly from VW). Tesla’s disruption to this popular EV segment will be important to observe and could not possibly be underestimated, even more so than any previous Tesla event to date.

Brace for impact.


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Carlo Ombello

Carlo Ombello is an environmental engineer based in London. He writes about environment, sustainability and green technologies on his blog opportunity:energy.

Carlo Ombello has 72 posts and counting. See all posts by Carlo Ombello