Oct 19, 2018 | by Iqtidar Ali
Tesla surprised the whole world by launching a new ‘Mid-Range’ Tesla Model 3 that is currently only available with the Rear-Wheel Drive option in North America.
The Mid Range Model 3 has an estimated EPA range of 260 miles (~418 kms) with a purchase price of $45,000 (CAD 58,800) before Federal and State incentives.
This move comes at a time when Tesla is about to reach the 200,000 units production threshold that will phase-out the full EV federal tax credit ($7500) for it’s customers.
Releasing a cheaper version of Model 3 might just enable potential customers waiting for the base $35,000 Model 3 to just place an order now and get the full benefit of the tax credit.
For California residents the Tesla Model 3 Mid Range will cost $35,000 after federal and state tax rebate ($7500 + $25000) — however the $45,000 purchase price does not include ‘Enhanced Autopilot’ option, which most customers will want to offer.
However with the ‘Enhanced Autopilot’ the price before tax credits suddenly jumps to $50,000 which certainly is not a ‘mass market’ electric vehicle price.
Seems like Tesla was able to cut down the cost of the battery pack by reducing the actual battery capacity (less number of cells) instead of offering the long range battery pack with a software locked mid-range.
The online Tesla Design Studio now offers only three variants of the Model 3 i.e. Dual-Motor Performance, Dual-Motor AWD and Mid-Range Rear-Wheel Drive.
In addition to reasonably decreased range the new Model 3 Mid Range has lower numbers for 0-60 mph (5.6s) and a lowered top-speed of 125 mph (comparison table below).
With a price decrease and a chance to avail full federal EV tax credit, the Mid Range Model 3 might have hit the sweet spot between affordability and more than enough range for a daily commute.
Although the Model 3 Mid Range is a single-motor Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), it’s not going to disappoint you in the upcoming winter season as described by Elon Musk on Twitter
Tesla rear wheel drive cars do actually work well on snow & ice. We did our traction testing on an ice lake! Dual motor AWD is great, but not required for cold weather. Just don’t use sport/summer tires.
Yesterday we also published some pro-tips on how you can get the most out of your Tesla or any electric-vehicle in the cold weather and stay out of trouble as much as possible.
Tesla Model 3 Available Variants Comparison
* Mobile phone users might want to drag the table left and right to view hidden columns — rotating device to horizontal would also enhance the view of data.
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| OPTIONS ↓ | MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE DUAL MOTOR | MODEL 3 LONG RANGE (DUAL MOTOR) | MODEL 3 MID RANGE (REAR-WHEEL DRIVE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 3.3s | 4.5s | 5.6s |
| Range | 310 miles | 310 miles | 260 miles |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 145 mph | 125 mph |
| Interior Options | Black and White (+$1000) / All Black | Black and White (+$1000) / All Black | Black and White (+$1000) / All Black |
| Upgrades | 20″ Performance Wheels Lowered Suspension Performance Brakes Carbon Fiber Spoiler Performance Pedals |
19″ Sport Wheels | 19″ Sport Wheels |
Related:
- Tesla Model 3 V9 Update: Full release notes, screens and walk through video
- Tesla Model 3 update 2018.18.1 adds ‘Auto High Beam’
- 2018.14.1 update brings Chill Mode to Tesla Model 3
- Tesla asking customers to share external car camera footage to improve Autopilot safety
- Elon Musk’s Autopilot 2.0 Conference Call (full transcript and audio)
- Compare Tesla Model 3 exterior dimensions with Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and several other Sedans