Tesla Model 3 passes key test, enters production

Elon Musk with a Model 3.

The Tesla Model 3 has entered production and the $35,000 affordable electric car passed all key safety tests in the US. Tesla aims to build 5,000 cars per week by the end of this year and double production in 2018. Those who put down a deposit now will not get their car until next year.
Tesla has not said how many people have put down $1,000 refundable deposits for the Model 3, but the company’s Chief Executive Elon Musk said people who put down a deposit now would not get a car until the end of 2018.
The firm’s last new vehicle, the Model X SUV, was delayed nearly 18 months. Musk said the Model 3 is much simpler to make but 14-year-old Tesla has no experience in producing and selling vehicles in high volumes.
Until recently, Tesla owned the market for fully electric vehicles that can go 200 miles or more on a single charge. However, this is changing; GM beat Tesla to the mass market with the Chevrolet Bolt, a $36,000 car that goes 238 miles per charge.
Audi plans to introduce an electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) with 300 miles of range next year.