Tesla has gone into production with an even cheaper version of its popular Model 3 electric car which is also likely to be offered to Australian customers when the right hand drive version of the vehicle goes into production next year.
The new more affordable Model 3 will start at $US45,000 ($AUD64,000) but will be as low as $US30,500 when incentives and petrol savings are considered.
There are no such incentives in Australia for electric cars apart from a higher luxury car tax threshold.
The Mid-Range Battery version of the Model 3 was revealed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Twitter.
“As Model 3 production and sales continue to grow rapidly, we’ve achieved a steady volume in manufacturing capacity, allowing us to diversify our product offering to even more customers,” a Tesla spokesperson said.
“Our new Mid-Range Battery is being introduced this week in the US and Canada to better meet the varying range needs of the many customers eager to own Model 3, and our delivery estimate for customers who have ordered the Standard Battery is 4-6 months.”
Just released lower cost, mid-range Tesla Model 3 & super simple new order page https://t.co/cz0TQn7IOZ
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 18, 2018
The new Mid-Range Battery Model 3 is a rear-wheel drive with a range of about 420km.
It has a top speed of 200km/h and can go 0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
Orders for this new Model 3 have opened up to US and Canadian customers with an estimated delivery time of 6-10 weeks.
There are thousands of Australian reservation holders for the Tesla Model 3 which was showcased at Tesla retail outlets in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
That was so successful Tesla has begun a wider tour with the Model 3 at major Westfield shopping centres around Australia.
The Tesla Model 3 is expected to go on sale in Australia in mid to late 2019.
