Salon.com; Elon Musk is changing the course of electric cars with the Model 3. Not only is this Tesla more affordable, but it means a proliferation of charging stations and more competition
In 2017 Tesla will debut a new iteration of the electric car: the Model 3. Unlike its electric siblings — the Roadster, the Model S and the yet to be released Model x — it will have a far more affordable price tag. In fact that price tag, $35,000, is roughly half that of the $69,000 Model S and far less than the Roadster.
As Gizmodo points out: “That’s Toyota Avalon or Chevy Impala money.”
According to Forbes: “Earlier this year, Elon Musk spoke about the vehicle noting that it would be 20 percent smaller than the Model S, with a shorter range.” (The potential look of the car was mocked up by Auto Express. However, Tesla has pointed out, on Twitter, that the look is just speculation.)
And the price is so incredibly important.
While luxury and scarcity were great tools to pique interest in electric cars, as well as build a brand known for innovation and style, if Musk really wants to put a dent in climate change he needs to get more people driving them.
Tesla has a couple of intertwined aspects that could help accomplish this goal.
Price is obvious. If it is cheaper, and you don’t need to pay for gas, marvelous. A Tesla model, as of right now, is also going to take you further than its competitors.
Which brings us to technology. Tesla has the longest-asting electric car battery. Though there are other fully electric cars out there (the Nissan Leaf, for example), none can go the EPA-certified 265 mile range, per charge.
Even if the Model 3′s battery life is 20 percent of the 265 miles, it is still double that of the Leaf. Tesla also has a growing (and free to the consumer) infrastructure to recharge. (And you’re saving on gasoline.)
As Gizmodo points out: “That’s Toyota Avalon or Chevy Impala money.”
According to Forbes: “Earlier this year, Elon Musk spoke about the vehicle noting that it would be 20 percent smaller than the Model S, with a shorter range.” (The potential look of the car was mocked up by Auto Express. However, Tesla has pointed out, on Twitter, that the look is just speculation.)
And the price is so incredibly important.
While luxury and scarcity were great tools to pique interest in electric cars, as well as build a brand known for innovation and style, if Musk really wants to put a dent in climate change he needs to get more people driving them.
Tesla has a couple of intertwined aspects that could help accomplish this goal.
Price is obvious. If it is cheaper, and you don’t need to pay for gas, marvelous. A Tesla model, as of right now, is also going to take you further than its competitors.
Which brings us to technology. Tesla has the longest-asting electric car battery. Though there are other fully electric cars out there (the Nissan Leaf, for example), none can go the EPA-certified 265 mile range, per charge.
Even if the Model 3′s battery life is 20 percent of the 265 miles, it is still double that of the Leaf. Tesla also has a growing (and free to the consumer) infrastructure to recharge. (And you’re saving on gasoline.)
