Tesla to release a more affordable electric car
Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors revealed that their upcoming compact electric saloon, the Model E, will cost around USD$30,000 in an interview with Autocar. Chris Porrit, the company's vice president of engineering, said the car will be "realistically" priced against rivals such as the Audi A4,and BMW 3-series.
By Alex Choros
Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors revealed that their upcoming compact electric saloon, the Model E, will cost around USD$30,000 in an interview with Autocar. Chris Porrit, the company's vice president of engineering, said the car will be "realistically" priced against rivals such as the Audi A4,and BMW 3-series.
Given local pricing of the Audi A4 and BMW 3-series, it is likely Australians will be required to fork out around AUD$55,000. This is just over half the domestic price for the entry level Tesla Model S 60 ($96,208). While this is a far cry from cheap, it greatly reduces the barriers of entry to the premium electric vehicle.
The Model E will be about 20% smaller than the current Model S (pictured), and will be manufactured using different materials. Despite this, Porritt suggested in may share a similar aesthetic. "People don't want to look eccentric. They want to have pride in their car's looks".
The Model E is expected to launch in either late 2016 or early 2017, following the launch of Tesla's Model X SUV.
