[Kayou]

>For the Model 3, the only true competitors are the i3 and Chevy Bolt

More like the Chevy Bolt / Opel Ampera e, the i3 has very limited range while the Chevy/Opel offers between 300 and 500km of range thanks to its much bigger 60kWh battery. The BMW i3 only has a 33kWh battery in the newer version, previous one was even less than that... The Leaf 2018 goes in the right direction, but 40kWh is still no enough to do 3h+ road trips.

Also, you make a very good point by saying that the Chevy Bolt/Opel Ampera E is a much better choice (ignoring the design). Same pricing as the Model 3 but the range seems much better. Given the experience of Chevy, I think that they can reduce the price and mass produce the Bolt much faster than Tesla can do with the model 3.

[skgoa]

The Tesla 3s that are currently getting delivered to customers are up to $20k more expensive than the Bolt. That people see the two cars as more or less equivalent is a massive success for GM.

[Kayou]

Yes, but isn't the Model 3 supposed to sell for around 35 to 40k $ when it reaches a bigger production? That was my comparison.

[Matt3o12_]

Yeah for $35k before any options. They currently only sell it with the premium package and only the range version. The premium package has improved audio (premium audio), USB ports for each passanger, powered seats and steering wheel, a glass roof, better build materials, rear heated seats as well as improved front heated seats. The long range version gets you 310 instead of 220 miles, improved 0-60 (0-100) times and fast supercharging, but sets you back another $9k. There is also the option to have autopilot for $5k (or less I don’t the correct price) but you can always buy that later over the air (at a premium). They also plan to add an option for white interior, air suspension, an AWD, and a performance version. So the model 3 can cost anything from 35k to 100k, though I don’t expect many to choose the performance version of the model 3. I personally believe that the standard battery, non premium version, and white interior will be available in a few months. The AWD and air suspension will probably be available by the end of the year. I don’t expect the performance version to be available until late next year. Tesla has given many timelines when we can expect what but that moves forth and back all the time.

[Diederich]

35k will be the base. They are starting the production ramp with a single, more expensive options package.

[tolien]

The extra money is for options (e.g. to add longer range/higher performance, there’s an upgraded sound system etc.). The base car is $35-40k.