Exploring the Cheapest Tesla Model 3: Purchase Options and Future Outlook

As of now, the cheapest price to purchase a Tesla Model 3 is $35,000, a significant reduction from the original $39,900. However, securing this price requires contacting Tesla directly or visiting one of their stores. In exchange for this lower cost, you will be receiving the most basic model in black, without any additional option packages or upgrades.

Current Purchase Options and Pricing

The Tesla website currently offers a special deal for the Model 3 Standard Plus Rear-Wheel Drive edition. Here's a breakdown of the key features and pricing:

240-mile range 2022 model year, painted in solid black 18-inch Aero Wheels Black interior with partial Premium features Autopilot included Purchase price: $35,000 (excluding taxes and fees) Due today: $2,500, fully refundable

It's important to note that Tesla has not yet started producing this model. Therefore, placing your order is the only way to secure this price. Tesla needs to push the more loaded option packages to finance the production of the cheaper model. While the 35k model doesn't bring in much profit for Tesla, it offers an excellent value for potential buyers.

Used Car Market Anticipation

I suspect that the used car market is on the horizon for Tesla Model 3. My recent visit to Denmark, a country with extremely high taxes on new cars, highlighted the popularity of Teslas. When Teslas were first introduced in Denmark, there were no taxes on them, leading to a rapid uptake in the market. As a result, I believe we will see an influx of second-hand Model 3s in the near future.

Some car enthusiasts I spoke with reported that all Teslas were initially tax-free in Denmark, and this encouraged many early adopters to purchase them. Hence, it's anticipated that similar conditions will lead to a robust resale market as the 35k model becomes available.

Driving Experience with Limited Charging Infrastructure

My colleague and I even explored the practicality of the 240-mile range by driving a Chevrolet Bolt on a 212-mile road trip from Tampa, FL, to Fort Myers, FL. The Bolt's limited charging options posed a challenge, as we encountered only one DC fast-charging station on our journey. This station, located at Cattle Ridge Crossing in Sarasota, allowed us to top up our battery enough for the remaining leg of the trip. We strategically planned our trip, leaving the Bolt overnight at a Chevrolet dealership with a Level 2 charger, which provided just enough range to reach the next fast charger and get back to Fort Meyers with a little to spare.

While the Chevrolet Bolt demonstrated that traveling long distances with limited charging options is manageable, the Tesla Model 3 offers an even better experience, especially with the introduction of the cheaper 35k model. Tesla's network of Superchargers ensures that you can go wherever you want, although it may entail a few more pit stops. However, the knowledge that you can rely on the network, combined with the lower cost, makes the 35k model an attractive option.

Additionally, once you drive the Model 3, you'll find that range anxiety is a thing of the past. After completing the trip and experiencing the car firsthand, you'll understand that the 240-mile range is sufficient for most daily needs, and your confidence in the car will grow with each journey.

In conclusion, the $35k Tesla Model 3 represents a compelling value proposition. While Tesla needs to push higher-end option packages to finance the production, the potential savings and practical benefits are evident. Keep an eye out for the expanding used market and consider placing your order to secure this attractive price point.