[volta]

Mr. Musk announced on Twitter today:

Model 3, our smaller and lower cost sedan will start production in about 2 years. Fully operational Gigafactory needed.

The Model 3 will be offered in both sedan and crossover versions, which may explain delays encountered thus far.

The Gigafactory is needed apparently, and it that's the case, recent drone photos of the building site don't show it being anywhere close to final construction stages. The factory has a planned grand opening in April 2016.

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/elon-musk-says-tesla-model-3-production-starts-in-two-years-gigafactory-needed-first-99551.html#

 

[LightningBolt]

Will the Model 3 and the Chevy Bolt be released around the same time?
The price difference between them is 5k and there will probably be green car incentives thrown in to lower the cost and make them even more affordable. It's going to be a close competition.

 

[volta]

Chevy Bolt should come out a bit before. The Model 3 will be aiming a bit higher than the Bolt but they will still compete.

 

[LightningBolt]

The price for the Chevy Bolt is $30k while the cost for the Model 3 is $35k. Both models are supposed to be able to go 200 miles on a charge so it will most likely come down to which brand consumers like more, the interior design and how it handles.

 

[volta]

I think that most people would agree that Tesla makes vehicles that are more "cool" than Chevy. You'd be paying extra for the tablet interior display, some weird gull wing door, and being one degree of separation closer to Elon Musk.

 

[LightningBolt]

That tablet in the center dash is nice but my biggest fear is how much space it takes for the rear doors to open. Some parking spaces are very narrow and the rear passengers may not be able to get out.
Some people may go for the old school design of the Chevy Bolt.

 

[volta]

I'm sure that is something that Tesla has been cognisant of during design. You don't want to build a car that people can't open the doors to.

 

[Roth33d]

Slightly longer wait and $5k more... I can see some people holding out, those that are keeping tabs on the Tesla's release. I know I would.. just to first see what it's like in comparison to the bolt.

 

[volta]

I think that Tesla is kinda like Apple, the brand just has a huge following. They make great vehicles, but even more of their success is based on the brand. Finally, the Model 3 will offer a more affordable option which will allow way more people to own a Tesla of their own.

 

[Roth33d]

I think that Tesla is kinda like Apple, the brand just has a huge following. They make great vehicles, but even more of their success is based on the brand. Finally, the Model 3 will offer a more affordable option which will allow way more people to own a Tesla of their own.

And one thing we can't forget is the status and slight exclusivity of owning one in comparison to other vehicles. They've done well with setting that image, interested in seeing how that will play into a volume product... this Model 3

 

[LightningBolt]

Slightly longer wait and $5k more... I can see some people holding out, those that are keeping tabs on the Tesla's release. I know I would.. just to first see what it's like in comparison to the bolt.

I'll most likely wait until both the Bolt and Model 3 is out so that I can test drive both before making a final decision.

 

[volta]

I'll most likely wait until both the Bolt and Model 3 is out so that I can test drive both before making a final decision.

Knowing Tesla, you could be waiting indefinitely. They have a tendency of delaying their releases over and over again. Probably worth the product in the end, but you will be waiting.

 

[Roth33d]

They might not be as lucky this time around to have as many people waiting for them since its a cheaper segment with more rivals to be in the market, I know I wouldn't be that loyal unless there is clear direction on what to expect.

 

[volta]

They might not be as lucky this time around to have as many people waiting for them since its a cheaper segment with more rivals to be in the market, I know I wouldn't be that loyal unless there is clear direction on what to expect.

I'm sure they will try to get it out on time, but I agree with you. I don't think people will be as patient. I wonder how many sales Tesla is expecting. They will still be way behind what Chevy is expecting to sell in the same segment.

 

[Roth33d]

I think as we get closer to its release we should be hearing something about projected sales, unless they wait till after and only say they expected 30,000 but got 30,100

 

[LightningBolt]

I hope Tesla won't push back the release date and I may not want to wait for an extra year for the Model 3 to go on sale.

 

[Roth33d]

I hope Tesla won't push back the release date and I may not want to wait for an extra year for the Model 3 to go on sale.

At least wait for key information to come out about it, then you you'll know if you're going to be missing out on anything important to you.

 

[volta]

If you want to track the progress of the Model 3 it is probably a better idea to watch the gigafactory being built than tracking the Model 3 itself. In the end Tesla won't be anywhere near the sales volume of Chevy mostly because of the production capacity that each brand has, but also because Tesla is a bit more niche. I just can't imagine a day where a Tesla on the street (even a Model 3) is something that is common.

 

[Roth33d]

If you want to track the progress of the Model 3 it is probably a better idea to watch the gigafactory being built than tracking the Model 3 itself. In the end Tesla won't be anywhere near the sales volume of Chevy mostly because of the production capacity that each brand has, but also because Tesla is a bit more niche. I just can't imagine a day where a Tesla on the street (even a Model 3) is something that is common.

It could very well be the case that the Model 3 is what really tests their ability to make a volume product and to test the market with a product like that, experience that could prove some serious success the second time around with a next generation model.

 

[volta]

Well Tesla is pretty interesting because they have so much ahead of them. They are constantly learning and building stuff. New factory, new model, new information. And the EV market is growing with them. They are just a very interesting company to observe. Obviously being smaller and learning all the time has drawbacks too. I mean GM has so many more resources and its ability to just do something because it wants to on a large scale is much better. But Tesla is able to choose anything to build, its an open road. They aren't stuck with previous factories that aren't really the optimal thing for right now. They get to build exactly the perfect thing they want. Anyway, interesting to watch.