SAN FRANCISCO: Before the reservation holders of the Model 3 with a standard battery pack even get their vehicle, Tesla has added a fourth battery pack option, changing the prices of the whole Model 3 portfolio.
Tesla previously promised that the Model 3's base price will start at US$35,000 (RM146,000), but drivers were disappointed with the US$49,000 (RM204,000) price tag that was revealed when the car was launched.
In response, the company promised an upcoming model with a standard battery pack that will remain faithful to the initial price promise.
Those who reserved the cheaper option, however, may find themselves frustrated because, instead of delivering customers the standard version, the brand brought out a fourth battery pack option now available for order: the mid-range battery pack which starts the model at US$45,000 (RM188,000) and can be delivered in 6-10 weeks.
This surprise option changes everything ... about the prices. As Electrek noted, rear-wheel drive is now exclusive to the mid-range battery pack and the long-range pack was reduced to one powertrain option: dual motor all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive powertrain returned to its previous value of US$5,000 (RM21,000), which brings the long-range Model 3 to US$54,000 (RM225,000).
What does this new battery pack provide? The range is an EPA estimated 418km on a single charge, roughly 112km less than the most powerful performance model option. The top speed is reduced 48kph from the performance model to 210kph maximum, and you'd be able to reach 100kph in 5.6 seconds instead of just 3.3.
The standard battery is expected to to bring a range of 354km, a top speed of 209kph, and a 0 - 100kph time of 5.6 seconds. Basically, for US$10,000 (RM42,000) less, the standard battery model will only reduce the range by 96km. That is, if the prices don't shift again.
