The Tesla Model 3 was introduced by CEO Elon Musk and advertised as the most affordable EV model that we would see in the market. So far, that hasn’t happened at all. The fervor created by Tesla caused over 400,000 people around the world to willingly put up the $1,000 to reserve the car that was supposed to show up with a price of $35,000 before the $7,5000 federal tax credit. If Tesla were to be able to deliver on this promise of price and availability we’d laud this car and admire what they’ve done, but that hasn’t been the case thus far.
The New Tesla 3 Movement
While most of us don’t drive Tesla model vehicles, the idea of putting an initial deposit down to hold a place in line isn’t all that unusual for Tesla. It’s also not out of the ordinary for Tesla to ask what they currently are. In the most recent news, Tesla is asking that all who want to place an order for their Model 3 now pay an additional $2,500 toward their vehicle. This will be the price to put the order in and the full $3,500 paid will go toward the Model 3 chosen.
For those who chose to place the additional $2,500 down for their vehicle, they will have a three day period where a full refund can be received, but after that three-day time frame, no refund will be issued at all. Those who choose to place the additional money down and begin the order process are being told they will have their Model 3 delivered to them in 2-4 months after the order is placed. For those who have been waiting over two years to have the car they want to drive, this is a positive move forward for Tesla.
The Negative Side of the Equation
A 2-4 month time frame for the delivery of a vehicle that’s already been expected for over a year doesn’t sound too bad at first, but it can be. For those who have put their $1,000 toward the Tesla Model 3 in hopes of driving the $35,000 model, the wait is going to continue. Right now, Tesla is only producing the longer range models with more features and a higher price. The price of these cars is between $49,000 and $72,000; so much for the affordable EV that was expected.
As for the $2,500 and the time promised, it seems to be putting faith in a company that hasn’t earned it yet. Tesla already has a history of pushing back production deadlines, failing to meet goals, and being unable to deliver on promised technology. That doesn’t make for a feeling of goodwill in the company and reducing the time for a refund from being open to just a few days isn’t exactly a fair movement forward. Yes, the fact that customers who want the more expensive Tesla Model 3 can order them is a good thing, but the majority of those who put their faith in this company are still being left out.
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