There Won't Be a 100D Version of Tesla's Model 3
It appears apprehensions over the driving range of electric vehicles will be sticking around for a few more years.
Tesla initially said its highly anticipated Model 3 would posses a 215 mile per charge capacity in its base trim, encouraging rumors that the BEV would offer optional power packages and extended range. However, Big Daddy Musk tweeted yesterday the Model 3 is incapable of housing the larger batteries found on the Model X and S.
Tesla’s CEO also said the current 100 kWh battery will be as large as the company plans to go on its present passenger vehicles — but did mention larger units would need to be installed on the company’s semi-trailer-trucks and, again, referenced the possibility of an electric pickup truck.
The current Model S 100D has a fully-charged estimated range of 335 miles and the Model X can manage roughly 295 miles in the same 100 kWh trim. As of now, those two are the company’s most long-legged offerings. Based off the Model 3’s anticipated range and Tesla’s current power source offerings, the base model will probably come with a 60 kWh unit. We reached out to Tesla on the possibility of a 85 kWh version of the 3 but have yet to hear back on the matter.
For the sake of comparison, the Chevrolet Bolt will be the Model 3’s primary rival, and it is outfitted with a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery with an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles. With a similar price, comparable range, and roughly 400,000 pre-orders, Tesla may not bother improving the 3 when it already has the market cornered. It is already going out of its way to increase production to meet demand, so enhancing its cheapest sales success before it’s even on the road may not be a high priority.
[Image: Tesla Motors] [Source: The Verge]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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I am not entirely sure why 3 is compared to Bolt. Tesla is luxury/sports, Bolt is family econobox. Same range, sure. But do we really compares BMW to Toyota by fuel mileage?
In building another sedan, Tesla is targeting the wrong market. They should be building a small, relatively affordable SUV. Something with the size and interior space of a Honda CR-V. . .