Part of Tesla’s game plan to mass market their electric vehicles was to start off with expensive versions like their current Model S and Model X, to eventually lead the way to more “affordable” consumer versions, like the $35,000 USD Model 3, set to be announced on March 31, 2016. The new model is slated to go on sale in “late 2017”, according to the company’s earnings call yesterday.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on Twitter reservations for the Model 3 will start on March 31 at Tesla stores and April 1 online, via a $1,000 USD deposit. The ability to make a reservation in-store is not limited to the U.S. though, as Musk clarified on Twitter it will be available globally:
@garethseneque global
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 11, 2016
This means Canadians can get in on the Model 3 action as well, since there are seven Tesla store locations Canada located in Vancouver, Calgary, Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto x 2 (Yorkdale Centre; Lawrence Ave), Montreal and Quebec City.
The CEO also explained on Twitter there will be “no signature series for Model 3. Same reservation amount for all.” Signature series models came with top-end features, so it’ll be interesting to see what options Tesla will make available for the Model 3, when we find out more information in “coming weeks” says Musk.
Current Tesla models can be controlled with an iPhone or Apple Watch, such as this recent demo showing “Summon” mode. The automobile looks to be the next battlefront for consumer dollars, as Apple also has plans to launch an electric vehicle of their own.
Are you going to pony up $1,000 USD to preorder a Model 3 next month?
