The official Tesla website shows the $35k Model 3* is available for order now. "Estimated Delivery: 2-4 weeks" 220 mile range, 130 mph top speed, 5.6s 0-60 mph *at this price, available in black, "standard interior", 18’’ Aero Wheels, RWD. Other colors, wheels, additional options increase the price.
I just ran the numbers for Huntsville-to-Stillwater for a 220 mile, standard range Model 3: 151 mi - Tupelo MS, 30 min. charging adds 100 mi range 95.6 mi - Memphis TN, 1 hr. charging adds 200 mi range 161 mi - Little Rock AR, 1 hr. charging adds 200 mi range 186 mi - Fort Smith West (*), 2 hr 30A 207VAC, charging adds 100 mi range 88.1 mi - Catoosa OK, 30 min. charging adds 100 mi range 83.7 mi - Stillwater 767 mi total - 12 hr 6 min driving trip duration - 16 hr 6 min Bob Wilson * - There is a SuperCharger planned for Memphis which would change charging from 2 hrs to 30 min.
And to help make the $35K Model 3 a reality (and/or to help pay off their just less than a $1B in debt due tomorrow), they are closing as many Tesla stores as possible, as soon as possible. Online ordering only from here on. Today, I visited one of the largest stores in the Midwest, in Westmont, Illinois, and all this news was just coming in as we were talking.
After several minutes of online purchase attempts kept getting: "There was an error processing your order. Please try again" Then was able to place order, got a confirmation number briefly on screen and credit card email confirming $2,500 charged, but no receipt emailed to me yet from Tesla and system continues to hang when asking delivery address then kicked out of system.
You're right. For some reason I recalled incorrectly that the last two wind down stages were each 3 months long. Here is the timetable: Federal Tax Credit For Vehicles Delivered $7,500 On or before December 31, 2018 $3,750 January 1 to June 30, 2019 $1,875 July 1 to December 31, 2019
Interestingly there is a new Standard Range Plus trim level starting at $37k that ups the range from 220 to 240 miles, 130 to 140 mph top speed, and 5.6s down to 5.3s 0-60 mph. Can't find any information if the Standard Range Plus has a larger battery or if it's the same 50kWh battery and the software allows a greater percent of the capacity to be used to get 20 additional miles.
Well I find it easy to switch from an investor to a customer. The $3,750 tax credit is good through the end of June so the key is to place the order with enough lead time to get the car by then. The tax credit applies to the 2019 taxes filed in 2020. I ran the configuration tool: $39,500 blue paint dynamic cruise control and lane keeping Placed my order at 7:33 PM (CST). Put it on the lowest rate card. WOOOPEEEE! Bob Wilson
Finally got my order confirmation email at 4:52 PST. Bare bones $35k in standard black. No options (cheapskate here). EV tech is improving fast enough, so maybe will trade up to a Model Y in ~3 years and splurge a little more on color and features.
I think I'll just wait another 3-10 years and see if something more interesting comes out. What I have now gets the job done.
Bob, I know you have been waiting a while now to get one of these. Looks like you have given up on a pre-owned version. Congrats on getting the order in. Can't wait to read your reviews and see pics once you have yours delivered. Same here. My Prime still has some life remaining in it, I think . That said, I have the electric fever big time, and might 10 years. Today's announcements with the 3 has pumped my interest in probably the Model Y. Just waiting for that announcement and see if it looks interesting enough to consider getting in line for, but I don't want to be an extremely early adopter. Will wait a while for them to get the bugs out production. Those early 3's were kinda crusty. Even early X's are now rusting in a bunch of places. Re: the 3, today... So, did the long range just move from up from 310 miles to 325? That's what I remember it to be a couple days ago. And now a mid-level interior - interesting!
To me this is bigger than just the availability of the Model 3, it lights a fire under other auto manufacturers to step up their game as well. We should continue to see more and more electric options available. The RWD long range Model 3 understated their range. Per EPA tests it's range is about 340 as I recall. So personally, my guess is after a year+ of data, they are simply understating the range by a little less than they were before
A sincere welcome to the Tesla family. AND.......a new satisfaction guarantee, drive your new model 3 for 7 days and/or 1000 miles and if you don't like, full refund...............but you will become addicted to the car in 7 days like I did, not giving it back! The first time you punch that accelerator is a memory you will never forget! Waking up each morning to a full tank of "fuel" is a memory you will never forget. The interior and U.I. instrumentation is jarring at first but an easy adjustment, it is a memory you will never forget. Tesla is being deluged with orders right now. The website is under siege! Things are going to be a little slow on the site for the next week or two.
