When Tesla first started to introduce and release cars into the automobile world, the concept of an electric car was still a niche one. Moreover, its price tag only made it available to those who could truly invest in the technology. But some years down the line, the company promised the Model 3, which is meant to be the public's first affordable step into the a more environmental vehicle option.
One of the biggest tasks to overcome with this, however, is that Tesla would have to mass produce its products. Nevertheless, the auto manufacturer promised it would live up to these expectations. For 2016, the company had set its eyes on delivering 80,000 vehicles - which may not be a big number for more popular car brands, but it is significant for the Elon Musk-owned player.
As Forbes notes, this number was already 50 percent more than what the company was able to produce in 2015. But despite this, Tesla did fall short in more aspects than just its overall production. The publication notes that it also failed to match its record deliveries for a quarter, which was 25,000. In the last quarter specifically, 24,882 units were produced, while only 22,200 were actually delivered.
But as the publication continues, there is one more thing that is arguably more important than these numbers. That is, that for every quarter that Tesla had failed to reach its production targets, there was a need to explain why this is so. And it is the implication of these that are really detrimental to the company.
The Model 3, which will retail for at least US$30,000, is gaining popularity. At this point, there are already more than 300,000 reservations for the unit. As such, Tesla has moved up its 2020 target of half a million units produced annually to 2018. But with the company failing to release even sixteen percent of the goal, is it still even within the realm of possibility?
Musk knows that there is a lot riding on the Model 3 and would therefore not release any information regarding the same that it will not be able to meet. There is definitely the reason why Tesla publicly announced its targets - one of which is that the lower-cost sedan is simpler than the Model S or the Model X. Theoretically, production of the Model 3 will be much quicker than its predecessors.
Furthermore, the use of Tesla's Gigafactory has already begun, which should ramp up production as well. The heart of the Model 3 - its lithium-ion battery - is already being produced by the plant, which has led many to believe that the manufacturing of the upcoming sedan will begin soon. Surely, the company is putting in all efforts to meet its targets.
The appeal of the Model 3 goes well beyond its price, as Learn Bonds promises that the unit is not poor in terms of performance. Musk himself has confirmed that they "don't make slow cars here at Tesla." The numbers and claims regarding the unit are pretty impressive for one of its size and price range.
The Tesla Model 3 will be able to cover about 215 miles, or 246 kilometers, on a single full charge. At six seconds, the unit can go from 0 to 60 mph. Furthermore, the model promises to be as safe as all other Tesla models out there. The unit will be fitted with the company's Autopilot 2.0 technology and is expected for release sometime in the latter part of 2017.
