Tesla Model 3: A New Step in the Electric Vehicle Industry

Tesla aims to become the world's highest-volume electric vehicle manufacturer with the Model 3. But what kind of car is this? The first prototype of the Tesla Model 3 has come off the production line after months of anticipation. Priced at $35,000, this vehicle could represent a leap in reducing the prices of Tesla electric cars globally and also increase the production volume of electric vehicles. Currently, production of this model is in the testing phase, with only 100 units set to be produced in August, and mass production expected to begin in September. For September, a production target of 1,500 units has been set, with Tesla planning to ramp up production to 20,000 units per month over a few months. The company hopes to increase Model 3 production to over one million units per year. If Tesla achieves this number, it would mark the first time a non-internal combustion engine vehicle has reached a production volume of over one million units annually. Tesla is cautious about increasing production volume to ensure quality is not sacrificed for quantity, as they faced some technical issues, including software glitches, when they rushed the Model X's release. The Tesla Model 3 can travel 346 kilometers on a single charge. Owners can easily plug it in overnight and head to work with a full battery in the morning. With its 250-horsepower electric motor, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds. The rear-wheel drive is the default configuration for this vehicle, although a four-wheel drive option will be available later. While electric vehicles remain expensive, the $35,000 price of the Model 3 could change the game slightly, bringing electric vehicles closer to the price range of middle-class cars. A further $15,000 price drop could make fossil fuel vehicles feel significant pressure. In addition to the electric motor and smart systems, the Model 3 features other innovations. The creative design of the wheels and rims has reduced the car's drag coefficient. Tesla has managed to improve the car's aerodynamics by altering airflow around the wheels, resulting in about a four percent improvement in acceleration. For autonomous driving systems, the vehicle is equipped with eight side cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, a front radar, and a powerful computer, with all Model 3s featuring the hardware for autonomous driving. The body of the car is made from a combination of aluminum and steel. However, the Model 3 faces serious competition. The Chevrolet Bolt is currently selling as a fully electric vehicle for $30,000. The Bolt uses a high-capacity electric motor capable of producing 200 horsepower and 360 Newton-meters of torque. Its electric motor draws power from a 60-kilowatt-hour battery made by LG, located under the car. With these specifications, the Chevrolet Bolt can reach 96 km/h in under seven seconds. Priced at $30,000, it is cheaper than the Tesla Model 3 and can travel 380 kilometers on a single charge, which is a suitable range for an electric vehicle and can meet urban needs in large American cities. The Bolt has a range advantage over the Tesla Model 3, as it can travel 30 kilometers further. With such competition, it remains to be seen how successful the Tesla Model 3 can be in the market.