Today Tesla revealed plans for the Model 3 to be released in 2017. Why is this massive announcement that could change infrastructure and energy in the world?
Simple, the Tesla Model 3 is aiming for a $35K price point when it releases in 2017. Compared tot he Model S being $70-80K this is an enormous reduction in the buy in of the electric car.
Aren't there other electric cars? What makes Tesla's Model 3 so special? Again, a simple answer, range. The Tesla Model 3 has over twice the range of its competitors exceeding 200 miles on a charge. Also, Tesla is building more and more power stations around the United States for 20 minute charges when people go on trips. By 2017 the goal is 80% of Americans would be covered by these charging stations. 200 miles also easily covers 95% of commuters as the car can be charged over night at your house.
Map of current charging stations and plans over next two years. http://www.teslamotors.com/supercharger
Why is this important? For decades the United States has poured everything into the infrastructure model of roads and automobiles. The fuel source for 99% of drivers is gasoline or diesel. Lack of competition has left us at the mercy of oil prices. Electricity on the other hand can be produced numerous ways, oil, gas, wind, wave, hydro, nuclear, etc. Competition means lowering of energy prices and getting from point A to B costing less.
We will see the Model 3 in full glory in 2016 when unvieled to the public, but my feeling given Tesla's track record is it will also be appealing to look at.
How about you? Are you excited by the Model 3's possibilities? Am I overstating it that it could be the most revolutionary car since Ford's Model T?
