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Game-changing new Tesla raises questions says Glass’s

Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 - unlikely to reach UK before end of 2018

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18 April 2016

THE new Tesla Model 3 electric car has the potential to be a game changer in the development of the EV but also raises a whole host of questions, says Glass’s.

Rupert Pontin, head of valuations, pointed out that the 200-mile range, estimated £35,000 price point and design were all positive developments.

New Tesla Model 3: What Tesla says

  • Received 325,000 orders globally
  • Model 3 is the next logical step of Tesla’s “secret master plan” and mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
  • Like every Tesla, Model 3 is engineered to combine range, performance, safety and utility. Smart design maximizes interior space, to comfortably fit 5 adults and all of their gear.
  • Tesla makes fast cars, Model 3 is no exception. The high efficiency electric motor provides zero to 60 mph acceleration in less than six seconds. And when equipped with electric all-wheel drive, Model 3 provides safe and dependable traction in all conditions.
  • Designed with safety as a priority, Model 3 should be the safest car in its class once testing completes.
  • This, combined with over 200 miles of range while starting at $35,000 before incentives, makes Model 3 an extraordinary mid-size saloon.
  • New Tesla Model 3 will begin production in late 2017, ramping Tesla vehicle production to 500,000 vehicles per year.

He said: “The number of claimed deposits, running into the hundreds of thousands, show that Tesla have really tapped into a sweet spot of consumers that have probably been waiting for a car just like this. 

“This is an EV that looks on paper as though it can go face to face with the conventional BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 and convert customers immediately. At a stroke, it almost makes those cars seem old fashioned.

“However, there are a whole host of questions. This is a car manufacturer than has so far only brought very low numbers of cars into the UK, that has only a tiny dealer infrastructure and, if we suddenly do see tens or hundreds of thousands of Models 3s appearing on our roads, probably an insufficient charging structure.

“Also, while the high number of deposits is an indication of the strength of initial new demand, it is difficult to forecast how the used market will react.”

Rupert said that the used car market tended to be relatively conservative in its acceptance of new manufacturers and new technology.

“These are hurdles that Tesla will have to overcome if it is to post strong RVs that meet or exceed the conventional cars against which it is competing.

“Used buyers may be wary of issues such as battery life and even parts availability, bearing in mind that their nearest franchise dealer is probably some distance away.

“However, this shouldn’t distract from the fact that the announcement of the Model 3 is an exciting moment in the history of the modern EV.

“We just now need to see if the reality matches the initial enthusiasm.”

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