The wait for the $35,000 Tesla is finally over

Tesla Model 3. Image: Tesla via AFP Relaxnews

Tesla has announced that a new Model 3 base model has arrived, and just as Elon Musk promised months ago, it will retail for $35,000 ($1.8 million).

After Tesla CEO Elon Musk promised last year that the company would be releasing an affordable variant of the all-electric Model 3 luxury sedan, it was finally unveiled yesterday. Though this will be the model’s base version, it still boasts the same 5-star safety rating as the long-range version, as well as a series of luxurious specs, features and details.

While the standard version with its dual motors and all-wheel drive transmission has a range of 310 miles, top speed of 145 miles per hour, and a 0-60 miles per hour acceleration time of 4.5 seconds, the base model (powered by only one electric motor) has an EPA-estimated range of 220 miles, a top speed of 130 miles per hour, and a 0-60 miles per hour acceleration time of just 5.6 seconds.

Additionally, the model comes standard with auto dimming, power folding, heated side mirrors, a tinted glass roof, music and media over Bluetooth, a center console display and custom driver profiles.

This all comes to a total of $35,000 before incentives, but only if you want it in black with 18-inch aero wheels, changing the paint color or wheels will tack on a minimum of $1,500 (over P77,000) per upgrade. For Tesla’s famous Autopilot system and full self-driving capability, you’ll have to dish out an extra $3,000 to $5,000 (P155,000 to P259,000).

Partial premium and premium interiors are also available with more features like a premium audio system, LED fog lamps, and better in-car entertainment and driver assistant features. But these additions bring that $35,000 price tag up to the $40,000s (over P2 million).

Tesla also stated that the company will be closing all their retail locations to shift sales completely online. After purchase, drivers will be able to return the car up to seven days or 1,000 miles for free.

The company attributed the early release of the $35,000 Model 3 to this change which, combined with other “ongoing cost efficiencies,” has allowed the company to lower vehicle prices by six percent.

The standard version of the Model 3 is available online. JB

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