Tesla Motors has unveiled its hotly anticipated low-cost electric vehicle (EV) the Model 3, and claims to have secured more than 253,000 reservations as of April 2.
The basic version of the Model S EV – costing USD35,000 – will have a driving range of 215 miles per charge, with 0 to 60mph acceleration of less than six seconds, according to the firm. The five-seater sedan will also be compatible with Tesla’s Supercharging stations, which enable drivers to replenish around half the battery’s capacity in 30 minutes.
A deposit of USD1,000 (in the US) is required to reserve a Model 3, which Tesla expects to begin delivering to customers before the end of 2017. In Asia, drivers in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, India and Japan are also able to make reservations through the Tesla website.
Thought it would slow way down today, but Model 3 order count is now at 198k. Recommend ordering soon, as the wait time is growing rapidly.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 1, 2016
During the Model 3 launch, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk revealed the company has 3,600 Superchargers installed worldwide and expects to double that figure by the end of next year.
To watch the Model 3 launch in full, check out the video below: