For Tesla, Model 3 marks a big push and a big test

San Jose Mercury ^ | Louis Hansen | Louis Hansen

[artichokegrower]

It’s new, sleek, fast and carries the hottest nameplate in the automotive world — Tesla.

Tesla collected nearly 400,000 reservations for its lower-priced Model 3 in the days following its unveiling last year. The Palo Alto electric vehicle maker proclaimed that time “the week that electric vehicles went mainstream.”

But uncertainty still surrounds the fate of the all-electric Model 3, Tesla’s $35,000 sedan reaching its first customers Friday.

[artichokegrower]

For example, a Bay Area owner of a $37,500 electric Chevy Bolt would receive a $7,500 federal tax credit and a $2,500 California rebate, but the car would still cost about $5,000 more than its gas-powered cousin.

Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, is proposing more generous subsidies, essentially making electric car costs the same as comparable gas-powered vehicles. The bill is being considered in the state Senate.

So the $10,000 grand we are giving to some sanctimonious rich guy to buy a $100,000 Tesla is not enough? Plus the free charging stations and car pool lane access? The serfs are working for the lords and dukes. Who said feudalism is dead?

[newfreep]

To my eyes, just another "blah" design without the "Tesla styling". Kinda like a Kia Elantra.

[Vendome]

Well, you are wrong.../S

It’s not $10,000. There are also federal subsidies to manufacture these stupid cars.

I looked for two days trying to find an articke discussing how much but, have been unable.

[PIF]

I believe in an article here yesterday it was mentioned that after 200,000 vehicles all subsidies go away.

Cali was mentioned as trying to restore subsidies for in-state purchases - did not mention where the money would come from - presumably from increased state taxes.

[RayChuang88]

I think the question now is can Tesla withstand the onslaught of Volkswagen, Volvo and (likely) Nissan as they use the economies of scale to build electric cars on a truly massive scale?

Despite Volkswagen mired in the Dieselgate scandal, they are already well-advanced developing the new Modularer Elektrobaukasten (MEB) electric car platform, and the first prototypes are already running on VW's internal test tracks--prototypes that will likely become the ninth-generation Volkswagen Golf.

[cicero2k]

http://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/18/gm-extends-shutdown-at-chevy-bolt-plant-as-inventories-swell.html

This article discusses how GM has to pause construction of a car similar to Tesla’s.

Mid priced electric cars are not wanted in large numbers. Sorry Tesla.

Cheap gas: trucks, midsized SUVs, and crossovers.

Even Business Insider knows that there is no consumer clamor for electric.

[artichokegrower]

Nevada just gave Tesla $1.25 billion to build their battery factory in Reno.

[fuzzylogic]

Hmmm, I think the tide is turning for many. The idea of never having to buy gas again is compelling.

GM has challenges with the Bolt, most notably the lack of abundance of fast charging stations. It is also not available everywhere and many dealers may not see the incentive to sell due to the lack of future service work (another plus for consumers).

I’m not sure what plans they have for Europe (not available now) but the Bolt would be a perfect fit, both in range and form factor, the Bolt is perfect for European roads and has high utility. The Tesla is wide and low, so while sleek, doesn’t match well with European roads and parking, plus the low sitting position doesn’t give the same view as the Bolt. I think the Model 3 will have an initial sales surge but is not going to fit the utility many would like, I think the Bolt is better positioned in this regard. The Bolt can also get close to 300 miles on a full charge when using the full regenerative braking feature, Tesla doesn’t.

Tesla is going to hit the 200,000 sales number so many aren’t going to get the tax credit. It’s going to be an interesting year for these EV’s. I’m keeping an eye on monthly sales figures. While GM has slowed Bolt production the monthly sales have been steadily increasing as it is rolled out to more States.

[Vendome]

They gave a company that loses billions more money to lose...

[RayChuang88]

However, even “crossovers” need to be reasonable on fuel economy. That’s why sales of the Subaru Crosstrek are very strong, Honda has to increase production of the HR-V and CR-V models, Nissan is selling a lot more Rogue, Rogue Sport (neé Qashqai) and Juke models, and Hyundai is bringing out the Kona “crossover” in addition to the larger Tucson and Santa Fe models.