Tesla Model 3 Full Production Beginning 2018

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

The Tesla Model 3 duo will seem like vaporware for a while longer, as full production of the low-cost EVs won’t start until 2018.

During a presentation by Chief Technical Officer J.B. Straubel at last week’s U.S. Energy Information Conference, Business Insider says a slide — page 23, if you’re wondering — showing how the price gap between ICE and electric vehicles will close as battery costs improve also noted the Model 3 was planned for 2018.

The date given looked like Tesla was pushing back the $35,000 pair’s concept and deliveries in 2016 and 2017, respectively, but the automaker’s representatives later explained to Bloomberg’s Cory Johnson — who tweeted the information about the slide — the 2018 date was for full production; initial production is still a go for 2017.

The presentation comes on the heels of the news the Model 3 won’t be one model, but two: a sedan and a crossover, both starting at $35,000, both able to cover 200 miles on one charge.

(Photo credit: Tesla/ Facebook)

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Carguy Carguy on Jun 23, 2015

    What they are really announcing is that they have no product but are planning some R&D which may result in a lower cost vehicle in 3 years. If this is meant to boost investor confidence, then they are going about it the wrong way. As it stands, Tesla is a one product company that trades heavily on cool factor and on the charisma and celebrity of its CEO.

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    • Redav Redav on Jun 23, 2015

      @TrailerTrash The Model X has been spotted testing in the customary camo.

  • Cartunez Cartunez on Jun 23, 2015

    Calm down big truck and dream of hellcats jumping fences. You calling Tesla government welfare is rich considering FCA is the poster child for gov bailouts throughout its existence. The product appears to be sound and most people that own them seem to be happy. Most of what I am hearing as a negative regarding the Tesla products are what I would expect from a new company with a new product. Does FCA, GM et al make a trouble free products and they have been doing this for years. I would suggest that if you got Tesla at 30 bucks a share do a lil profit taking and enjoy the ride. Tesla is bringing much needed attention and better yet competition to the all electric car arena.

    • Redav Redav on Jun 23, 2015

      I've driven the Model S, and it is a great car. But it's far from perfect. However, for such a new company (second overall car & the first they really designed themselves), it's one hell of an accomplishment.

  • Bullnuke Bullnuke on Jun 23, 2015

    Please save the picture at the top of the post; it can be photoshopped with some spider webs, dust bunnies and rat crap in the corners, and retitled "Tesla Model 3: Still Waiting For It" for re-posting in 2020.

  • Shaker Shaker on Jun 24, 2015

    EV's are like the newborn child - full of potential, and the promise of a future where our mundane transportation needs will be taken care of by energy that arrived at our planet 8 minutes ago, fresh from the sun. The HELLCAT, and its dual-smoking exhausts and all of the waste and environmental destruction is soon to be a wheelchair-bound old man, lamenting the loss of the confederate flag. Now, ain't THAT obtuse!?!

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