{"id":116388,"date":"2017-05-30T17:00:32","date_gmt":"2017-05-30T21:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thedetroitbureau.com\/?p=116388"},"modified":"2017-05-30T17:00:32","modified_gmt":"2017-05-30T21:00:32","slug":"tesla-model-3-taking-the-slower-road","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/2017\/05\/tesla-model-3-taking-the-slower-road\/","title":{"rendered":"Tesla Model 3 Taking the Slow(er) Road"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A Tesla handout shows a pre-production Model 3.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For many owners, one of the most appealing features of the Tesla Model S is its neck-snapping acceleration \u2013 with the optional Ludicrous Mode the sedan capable of launching from 0 to 60 in around 2.8 seconds.<\/p>\n

While the new Tesla Model 3 will nearly match the range of some versions of the bigger sedan, don\u2019t expect to see it come close when it comes to performance. What appear to be official Tesla figures indicate the new battery-electric vehicle, or BEV, will need about 5.6 seconds to nudge 60. That\u2019s faster than the rival Chevrolet Bolt EV, but just barely, and more in line with what some comparably-sized gas-powered vehicles can deliver.<\/p>\n

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EV News!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Early EVs were battery-powered stone ponies, barely able to get out of their own way, the little Mitsubishi MiEV, for example, needing a full 13 seconds to get to 60. That\u2019s a key reason, industry analysts suggest, that demand for those first-generation electrics was so poor. By boosting range and performance, however, buyers finally to be sitting up and taking notice.<\/p>\n

When it comes to range, it appears Tesla will do slightly better than the 200 miles it originally promised, the new data suggesting it will get 215 miles on a charge. That\u2019s less than the 238 miles that the EPA gives the Chevy Bolt, however.<\/p>\n

That said, range and performance numbers are for the base version of the Model S, which will carry a starting price of around $35,000 before factoring in delivery fees and any applicable state and federal incentives. The Bolt, meanwhile, starts at $36,200 with delivery but ahead of those incentives.<\/p>\n

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An apparently production-ready Tesla Model 3 caught testing by North California Dashcam.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Tesla Model 3 will offer a number of options, though far fewer than the big Model S which, according to the Silicon Valley automaker can be ordered in about 1,500 different configurations, or 15 times more than the new BEV. The list of options is expected to include a longer-range battery and possibly some higher-performance capabilities, though it is unclear if Tesla will ultimately add a Ludicrous Mode to the Model 3 checklist, as well.<\/p>\n

Among the options Tesla plans to offer are:<\/p>\n