[carlivar]

The difference is the deposits Tesla accepted for the Model 3. Likely many deposits were placed based on the frequently-cited $35k price.

I do not think deposits were taken for the models you mentioned.

[greglindahl]

You're wrong about all of these: Tesla was clear that the more expensive Model 3's would ship first, and S and X both shipped the most expensive ones first.

[carlivar]

Could you cite a source on that, please? The only articles I can find talking about it start in Summer 2017.

[jungturk]

Model X deposits ranged from $5k for the base model to $40k for the Signature model. Those deposits sat for up to 3 years for early reservations.

The upcoming Roadster requires $50k and $250k deposits.

The upcoming Semi requires a $20k deposit.

The original Roadster also required a deposit.

I'm unsure of the original Model S.

Tesla's current estimate for base Model 3's is "late 2018" for early reservation holders. Take that with a grain of salt given how reliably they announce unreliable release dates.