If everything is running without any hiccups this time around, the much-hyped and awaited Tesla Model 3 should enter production sometime next month. While Tesla previously has not been stringent with its scheduled timeline, the electric automaker is planning to satisfy both the investors, as well as the customers, with a timely delivery.
The updated website, which points towards an incoming ‘test drive’ of the Model 3 towards the end of this year is positive indication of the same. The past delays and backlogs seem to have taught Tesla its lessons in production and delivery, which it now seems to be applying with the Model 3 launch — scheduled to kick start later this year itself. This development was first reported by Electrek.
This is, however, not the first time Tesla is offering test drives for its electric vehicles to woo customers. The electric automaker has previously dedicated some early production models to their test drive fleets, which moved across nations, spending some days at a location, giving customers a chance to drive and test out the electric vehicle before shelling out hefty bucks. The test drives will only be open to reservation holders.
In addition, the notification on the Model 3 webpage on Tesla’s website also suggests that one can immediately schedule a test drive for the existing Model X and Model S electric vehicle. The company is looking to convert customers who’re looking to instantly jump on the Tesla bandwagon. The Model 3 test drive button is nowhere to be seen at the moment but the reservation button still remains and requires you to shell out $1,000 to reserve a spot on the list.
Tesla has already hinted that their new mass-production and affordable electric sedan has bagged an extraordinary response from customers. While no concrete numbers have been doled out but chief executive Elon Musk has hinted that the reservations for the Model 3 continue to climb week after week. It is presently being suggested that Tesla has bagged over 400,000 reservation, which accounts for a year-long backlog for production.
In addition, Tesla is itself amazed of the response towards its cheapest electric sedan, which starts at $35,000 for the base model, especially when the company has not even marketed the Model 3. Instead, Musk has been seen ‘anti-selling‘ the electric vehicle at times, which he confirmed himself at a recent shareholders meeting. He said,
We anti-sell the Model 3. But our net reservations continue to climb week after week. No advertising, anti-selling, nothing to test drive, still grows every week.
And though Tesla is working round the clock, has even added a third working shift, to make the delivery of the Model 3 happen on time, it is also gearing up to reveal the future of the company. The electric automaker plans to show off its electric semi-trucks and Model Y at an event later in September. This will be an amazing feat for the electric company, who is looking to build a sustainable living alternative, for the masses. Valued at about $70 billion, it has already crossed both major automakers — General Motors and Ford in the current market.
