I searched around for a thread on this, but couldn't find anything. If one does exist, can the mods please move my post there and delete this?

Anyway, I know that Tesla is hoping to release the Model 3 by 2018 with a starting price of $35,000.

Assuming that this price is for the Model 3 with a 60 kWh battery, will there be a Model 3 85 (85 kWh battery) and a Model 3 P85D (85 kWh Performance)?

The Model S starts at $69,900 with the 85 starting at $79,900 and the P85D at $104,500. Using the same percentage jumps in price between these 3 trims, I'm predicting that if the Model 3 60 does start at $35,000, the Model 3 85 will start at $40,000 and the Model 3 P85D start at $52,500.

Are these numbers possible for the release of this car, or is this just wishful thinking?

 

since it's 3 years away i'd say numbers are meaningless at this point.

 

Correct. And 2018 seems a bit optimistic. The Model X was postponed too

 

Nothing leads me to believe it will cost $35k... I know that's what they have said, but I'm just not as optimistic I guess.

 

$35K is optimistic I agree, probably more like $40-45K, however even if it was $35K that would be base base base. I don't see it any differently than the CLA or CT, advertising that the cars are $29,XXX and then loading with options (both Benz and Lexus have since added to the base price). The model 3 typically equipped will likely run $50-60K once options are factored in

 

For a nice M3/4 or RC- F we are talking $70K these days.

I can't see musky tusky givin a Model 3 with P85D power and AWD for $52.5 but wouldn't that be something.

 

i think they should focus on higher end of the market by offering more tech and effortless performance, rather $35k entry point... but maybe they want it to be huge seller worldwide... they do have some unbelievable "targets" for sales, so this might be their sales king.

 

I agree they should focus on upper echelon cars. Once consumers get a taste of 'cheaper' there goes their credibility when they decide to make a million dollar EV supercar

 

Well it's not that cheap. It's still higher than the "average purchase price" of a new car, isn't it? Besides, making a car that's a bit more accessible allows the cost to be spread over a larger number of vehicles as they can sell more at the lower price point (wonder how that'll affect Supercharger stations, particularly those that only have 4 or 6 stalls. Only 4 stations in Canada have 8 stalls and they're in Southern Ontario).

 

Superchargers pose an interesting situation for Telsa. They may have many number of stations around the country but it will be a problem when Tesla becomes more mainstream. I am guessing they are planning to create those battery swap stations in metropolitan areas before they will release their third model. I think they are also betting on increased battery capacity with technology in that area improving going down the line.

 

well, cheaper the better but i think they should be profitable and right now they are not.

 

i dont think SC are a problem at all... keep in mind that they are marketing designed to ease your worst fears about EV's - range anxiety and slow charging... they are not designed to be used by you daily, thats how they are placed. Battery tech is not going anywhere at all, according to Tesla... I mean their plans for gigafactory by 2020 have same tech as today... and i doubt they will invest in gigafactory by 2020 just to change the tech few years after that.

So any EV owner will use other public chargers far more than SC's, and their number is growing fast, which is the most important part.

 

When they make the superchargers free, they are making it a problem. The supercharger near me is always full and I think tons of people take advantage of them so they dont have to charge with their wallet

 

the problem i have from a business standpoint with tesla is they seem to have fallen into "we'll lose a dollar (or a bunch) on every car, but make it up in volume" trap

everything about tesla is HUGELY expensive to do. the cars, the batteries, the software, the nasty chemicals and materials involved, the superchargers (including land purchase/lease) and they're still only selling TINY numbers of vehicles.

now of course the tiny number is somewhat understandable when their only 'volume' vehicle is probably an average $70k+ sticker price.

but i want tesla to succeed, especially in being able to sell direct. for those who think that's a bad idea, well apple stores didn't stop best buy still selling apple products. almost all car dealers today SUCK. they lie, they cheat, they have horrible marketing, but apart from that they're great. why do they do these things? because they can and the law protects them.

 

I totally agree with you and also feel that people who take there cars regularly to supercharger stations are really inconsiderate of other people who may really need it just to save what $10? What also bugs me is that these people spend like $100k for a Tesla and cheap out on electricity. Its like buying a Lamborghini and trying to save some gas by driving exclusively in ECO mode.