Tesla has made available in the US the Tesla ‘Standard Range’ Model 3 with the newly reduced base price of $35,000, after a long wait of almost 3 years. The Standard Range Model 3 can travel 220 miles on a single charge, a top speed of 130 mph, and an acceleration of 0-60 mph within 5.6 seconds. Tesla claims to have made this version of the Model 3 as conforming to the 5-star safety rating that the longer-ranged versions have had.
Tesla has also launched the Model 3 Standard Range Plus at a base price of $37,000, which, along with premium interior features, has the capability of achieving a range of 240 miles on a single charge, a top speed of 140 mph, and an acceleration of 0-60mph within 5.3 seconds.
For 6% more money, you get 9% more range, more power, and an upgraded interior – Tesla
The new versions of the Model 3 are supposed to comprise an all-glass roof and manual seats instead of power seats. Previously, the least expensive Model 3 version started at $42,900, that too, after a cut in price in February.
Tesla mentioned in a tweet the availability of the Model 3 versions (all prices before incentive):
- The standard Range of 220 miles range to come at a price of $35,000
- Standard Range Plus offers 240 miles range at $37,000
- Mid Range of range 264 miles coming at $40,000
- Long Range offers a range of 325 miles at $43,000
- Long Range AWD of range 310 miles at $47,000
- Performance AWD of 310 miles with 0-60 mph in 3.2s acceleration at the price of $58,000
The company has moreover worked on the try and return facility so as to ensure that a test drive prior to purchase is not necessary – “You can now return a car within 7 days or 1,000 miles for a full refund.”
Additionally, Tesla is bringing in some firmware updates for its customers:
- The range of the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 is to be upgraded to 325 miles
- The peak speed of the Model 3 Performance to be increased to 162 mph
- Addition of an average 5% (approx.) peak power to all Model 3 vehicles
Tesla has moreover decided to make its sales go worldwide to remain financially sustainable while offering its products at a reduced price. For now, however, the company’s cars would be available only in the region of North America. Reportedly, the new Model 3 vehicles have a chance to be available in Europe and China in “three to six months,” as per CEO Elon Musk.
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 – Tesla
Tesla will be boosting its Tesla service system to achieve same-day service and guarantee service availability in its operating countries.
The important thing for customers in the United States to understand is that, with online sales, anyone in any state can quickly and easily buy a Tesla – Tesla
It also seems like all transactions would have to be done online so that Tesla would be able to lower vehicle prices by an average of almost 6%. Tesla has furthermore decided to discontinue some of their stores and retain only those located in high-traffic locations including galleries, showcases and Tesla information centers.