Automotive

Tesla Model 3 preorders exceed 325,000 within the first week

Tesla Model 3 preorders exceed 325,000 within the first week
Tesla is planning to begin production of the Model 3 in late 2017
Tesla is planning to begin production of the Model 3 in late 2017
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180,000 people pledged their driving futures to Tesla's electric motors within 24 hours of the launch event
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180,000 people pledged their driving futures to Tesla's electric motors within 24 hours of the launch event
Tesla is planning to begin production of the Model 3 in late 2017
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Tesla is planning to begin production of the Model 3 in late 2017
Tesla's Model 3 has been a long time coming
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Tesla's Model 3 has been a long time coming
In the week since it was announced, more than 325,000 people have pre-ordered the Tesla Model 3
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In the week since it was announced, more than 325,000 people have pre-ordered the Tesla Model 3
The company is planning to begin production in late 2017, and when it will stop after that is anyone's guess
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The company is planning to begin production in late 2017, and when it will stop after that is anyone's guess
Tesla is planning to begin production of the Model 3 in late 2017
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Tesla is planning to begin production of the Model 3 in late 2017
View gallery - 6 images

It was one of the most hotly anticipated reveals on the automotive calendar, but even Elon Musk hadn't expected the Tesla Model 3 to be this quick out of the blocks. In the week since it was announced, more than 325,000 people have pre-ordered the electric sedan, amounting to more than US$14 billion in projected sales for a car that Tesla won't even start making until late next year.

Tesla's Model 3 has been a long time coming. As the company's fourth production car, it is aimed squarely at the mass market in an overt attempt to drive mainstream adoption of electric vehicles.

And the early indications are that people are very willing to partake in the electric vehicle revolution when the price is right. At a cost of US$35,000 for a base model, 180,000 people pledged their driving futures to Tesla's electric motors within 24 hours of the launch event, surpassing the total number of Teslas on the road in February at 107,000.

"Definitely going to need to rethink production planning," Musk tweeted following the event.

And the backlog only continued to swell from there, passing 325,000 reservations to become what Tesla is calling the "single biggest one-week launch of any product ever." The company is planning to begin production in late 2017, and where it will stop after that is anyone's guess.

Musk also confirmed that AWD will be available, but whether this affords dual motor Model 3s the same searing pace as the Model S P90D we tested last year remains to be seen.

Source: Tesla

View gallery - 6 images
8 comments
8 comments
t__
Wow, the bestsellers in the automotive world were sold in many millions, but after many generations and years have passed.
tyme2par4
I really don't understand how people are so willing to commit $1000 to something they've never seen, let alone driven. Also keep in mind, if you aren't one of the first ~40k or so, your price will be $7500 higher.
Tom Lee Mullins
That is a lot of cars for a vehicle that has not been made yet. I hope they are able to make that many and more in the future.
The Chevrolet Bolt has the same range but costs a little more. The Bolt has - IIRC - an advantage since there are way more Chevy dealers / repair places than what Tesla has.
Stephen N Russell
2 bad No plans for Teslas in the Rental Marketplace alone, Be sweet to rent a Tesla 2 or 3 model, with Autopilot, Yes.
IvanWashington
if only it had been designed for us older types who can't athletically swoop down into the cockpit of that low-slung thing.
JamesAndrewRovnak
Here in Hingham, 2 weeks till delivery on your order they say! See automated factory special on National Georaphic u-tube video special! One great car, one great engineer that Elon M! Like self driving feature!
Future3000
Wow, what an easy business: Give 300.000 people hope or 1.500 $ for "preorder"... earn 15 billion dollars via shares! Shows like a well known businessmodel of the record-industry. We will see, what's happen in 2017. I bet there will be less than 30.000 Tesla 3 in end of 2017! Teslas businessmodel is not to sell cars, they sell shares and hope! Oh wait, sounds like religion...
noteugene
When the price drops about 10k & you make a 2 door version look me up...