Tesla, arguably the most competent electric carmaker, recently unveiled the Model 3. Here are some interesting facts for you about the latest coupé.
16 Apr 2016 | 10177 Views | By Siddhant Ghalla, Autocar India
With the unveiling of the Tesla Model 3, Elon Musk has caused quite an uproar in the world of automobiles. At US$ 35,000 (approximately Rs 23.2 lakh), this all-electric car is definitely affordable, and with a range of about 400km on a single charge, it is also very practical. ...
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With the unveiling of the Tesla Model 3, Elon Musk has caused quite an uproar in the world of automobiles. At US$ 35,000 (approximately Rs 23.2 lakh), this all-electric car is definitely affordable, and with a range of about 400km on a single charge, it is also very practical. What really sweetens the plot, though, is that it will also be launched in India at some point of time in the future. Read on for finer details:
1. It is Tesla’s most affordable car yet
Including the latest launch, Tesla’s line-up now consists of three cars – the Model S, an electric sportscar, with a starting price of about US$ 70,000 (approximately Rs 46.5 lakh); the SUV Model X that starts at about US$ 80,000 (approximately Rs 53.12 lakh); and the Model 3, in comparison, which will start at US$ 35,000 (approximately Rs 23.2 lakh) for the base trim.
2. It is an everyday car
The Model 3 has been designed keeping everyday practicality in mind. It is a five- seater coupé that is priced well, boasts a good range and has high safety ratings. It comes across as a pragmatic car that saves the earth in its spare time.
3. The Model 3 will mark Tesla’s entry to India
Just before its global reveal, Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk tweeted that online bookings for the Model 3 would soon commence in India, Brazil, South Africa, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore and Ireland. However, we doubt that the price tag of $35,000 will apply to the cars sold in India. We are nevertheless excited to have the automaker that made the electric car hot make its India debut.
4. With its long range, the Model 3 has the potential to replace a conventional car
On a single full charge, the Model 3 can provide a range of as much as 402 km. This makes the Model 3 a practical and convenient car. Moreover, the Model 3 is supercharging-compatible, which means the four-door coupé can be charged at Tesla Supercharger stations that can charge the car to half capacity within 20-30 minutes.
5. For an electric car, or any car really, it is fast
The Model 3 might be a practical electric car, but it is still very, very fast. It is capable of doing the 0 to 96 kph sprint in under 6 seconds, all the while emitting nothing into the atmosphere.
6. The car has two boots and oodles of space
Being an electric vehicle, there is no combustion engine in the Model 3. The cabin has been redesigned to shift the front passengers forward and improve legroom at the rear. Moreover, because many of the mechanicals of a regular car are done away with, there is ample space in the two boots, front and back.
7. It gets the Autopilot
Like the Model S, the Model 3 too gets the Autopilot feature. This allows the car to steer within a lane, change lanes with just a tap of the turn signal, manage speed by using active, traffic-aware cruise control, and parallel-park itself. Another feature which is in the Model S, and we hope is in the Model 3 too, is ‘Summon’, which enables the car to open a garage door, park itself and shut down. This is not expected to be a part of the car headed to India as the feature needs perfectly marked roads, and signs.
8. The Model 3's panoramic sunroof is a fantastic design feature
The complete top of the Model 3 is covered by a single-pane panoramic sunroof that extends all the way to the back. The headroom of the interior combined with the sunroof adds to the feeling of space and openness in the cabin.
9. The infotainment system is a gigantic tablet
The only piece of visible hardware on the Model 3’s dash is a huge tablet that is landscape-oriented. As with the Model S, this will show you all relevant information related to the car and the journey, and gives to all media and navigation functions.
10. The Model 3 has no grille
The front grille on Tesla cars has progressively shrunk from the Model S to the Model X and now isn't present on the Model 3. The smooth fascia of the car is broken only at the very bottom by an air dam. The car doesn't really need a grille as it doesn't come with a combustion engine.
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