The long-anticipated Tesla Model 3, promising lower prices, entered production in 2017. The Model 3 trims available at the time weren’t exactly cheap (over $50,000), but they still offered great performance and features such as enhanced autopilot and self parking.
One of the biggest Model 3 promises was a $35,000 trim to put not only Tesla cars, but somewhat nice electric cars in a price range suitable for the majority of people (in wealthy countries, at least).
The $35,000 Tesla Model 3 is now on sale, but with a shorter range of 220 miles per charge and a 0-60 MPH acceleration of time of 5.6 seconds, which is still quick. A range of 220 miles can easily cover the commutes of most Americans (the majority of Americans’ daily commutes are less than 30 miles).
If you’re driving across the United States, that’s when you’d have to recharge at one or more of the many Supercharger locations across the country (not exactly a major issue either).
The issue of electric vehicle range is overblown, considering that people’s gas-powered sedans (which are typically in the 300-350 mile range) and they drive them with 1/3 to 1/2 a tank (which equates to about 150+ miles).
The issue of performance is also overblown, considering that Tesla’s are the fastest-accelerating cars in the world. Even the $50,000 Model 3 can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 3.2 seconds, on par with more expensive gas-powered cars.
