Tesla Model 3 Review
Elon Musk, Co-founder, CEO, and Product Architect of Tesla Motors has a dream to make performance electric vehicles (EVs) affordable for the average family. Near the end of 2017, he plans to do just that with the release of Tesla’s Model 3. In an interview in Norway on April 21st, 2016, Musk makes a comment that the fourth generation Tesla will be even more affordable than the Model 3, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The Model 3 will be a treat in and of itself, and with a price tag of $35,000 before tax incentives, it will be affordable for many households.
Body Design:
The final design of the Model 3 is not completely set in stone, but its exterior body design has been revealed and should not change much. The only change we should see from the current prototype is the location of the charging port. When the Model 3 is released, the charging port should be in the driver tail light region. A lot of work has gone into the design, and it is unique in more than one way. The first thing you will likely notice is that the roof is entirely glass. This allows for not only a spectacular view from the car, but it also provides added headroom in the backseat and reduces overall drag of the car which is very important to increase driving range and performance. The front of the car is also unique because it is very short and does not have a typical grill that would be needed on a gas car. Some would say that its front end looks similar to a Porsche’s and the rest of the car is more of a combination of current Model S and Model X. The lines on the body are prominent and sexy, and the hard work that has gone into the design will pay off. The prototypes have been seen in three colors so far: a multi-coat red, silver, and matte grey. A new and stylish rim has also been designed to add to the aesthetics of the Model 3. The door handles of the car are mechanical and very similar to what you see on current Aston Martin vehicles.
Fun fact: Tesla appears to be using larger battery cells to keep the cost of the vehicle low. Fewer of these large battery cells appear to fit into the car lengthways as opposed to horizontally as in other models.
Interior Design:
Not much has been revealed about the interior design of the Model 3 yet, but here is what we do know:
Elon Musk himself has tweeted, “Wait until you see the real steering controls and system for the 3. It feels like a spaceship.”
The Model 3 will come equipped with a horizontal 15” touch screen monitor. This is opposite of the vertical display screens seen in previous models of Tesla vehicles because the designers want the screen to be more functional for the passenger of the vehicle as well as the driver. Reviews show that the screen is slightly closer to the steering wheel than other Tesla models which makes driver access to the controls easier. The dash is very unique and instead of typical speedometers and gauges found in most cars, the traditionally mechanical systems will all be digital and accessed through the touch-screen display monitor. The main reason for this is so that the software can be updated by Tesla as they feel is needed. The roof will come in three options: all glass, metal, or an operable glass sunroof. There will be a trunk in both the front and back, but a hatchback does not seem practical because of the large glass roof and lack of a place for hinges on top of the car. For now, we can only guess what the rest of the interior will look like and imagine it looking like a spaceship.
Performance:
The rear-wheel drive Model 3 will have an estimated range of 215 miles and a 0-60 time of less than 6 seconds. Although this is not “Ludicrous” acceleration, it is not too shabby. With an option for a larger battery and all-wheel drive system, a range of 300 miles and faster 0-60 times is likely.
Cost and Perks:
Price tag before tax incentives is $35,000.
Tesla estimates average driver can save over $250/month in fuel costs compared to the BMW 5-Series.
All states receive $7,500 income tax credit.
Certain states receive additional income tax credit. Click here to view your state’s EV tax breaks: https://www.teslamotors.com/support/incentives
Some states offer carpool lane access.
Verdict:
We want one!
115,000 people had already put $1,000 down to reserve a Model 3 before even seeing the design of the car, and now it is estimated about 400,000 people have reserved one.
We still have to wait until the latter part of 2017/early 2018 before we see Tesla’s Model 3 on the road.
Photo credits:
www.teslamotors.com
Sources:
https://www.teslamotors.com/support/model-3-reservations-faq
http://www.caranddriver.com/tesla/model-3
http://www.cnet.com/roadshow/auto/2018-tesla-model-3-review/
https://www.teslamotors.com/support/incentives
http://www.autotrader.com/car-news/2013-tesla-model-s-lease-program-focuses-on-ownership-costs-206832
http://www.cleantechnica.com
YouTube: /watch?v=Qr2FaDh-Hlg
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