I'd expect the incentive to be extended, but we will have to wait and see.

Tesla claims production of 50k units/yr, and 130k deposits, so even if production starts by the end of 2017, you probably wouldn't see real availability until 2020... Give Tesla's growing pains with production volume and dates so far, I wouldn't put it past them that that date slides too.

Meanwhile, you can get a Chevy Volt for the same money... or a Bolt for less. They are less exclusive, but better support, and no range anxiety.

 

I put down a deposit, we'll see how it goes. Interesting car for the money even at 35K. At 27K it's a downright steal, at 30K it's still a good deal.

 

Volt is an ugly wedge hatchback, doesn't do 0-60 in under 6 seconds and it's a Chevy.

 

The volt and bolt look like they belong with the Prius. This looks like an adult's car.

One thing I don't see mentioned enough is the impact of ambient temperature on the battery. It definitely affects the maximum range. If its super cold out, you're gonna get much less range, same as when its super hot out and the AC is on. Once you're out of juice, it's not like a gas car where you just pour more gas in.

My parents have a Model S and while it is a cool car, it's hard to describe, but it almost feels too futuristic. I'm used to driving a manual car, we have an s2000 and a mazdaspeed3. The Tesla is a full automatic with a gigantic tablet screen on the dash. However it goes like hell once you hit the "gas".

 

The Volt has the same basic egg shape as the 3 if you ask me, and 0-60 is slower, but its not a dog at 7 sec.

I don't argue that Teslas look cool and have cachet, but if you're buying an electric car, the Volt does some things very well, in some cases worse, and in some cases better, than any Tesla. I'm very interested in a 3, and I've considered a used S, but so far I'm not sold on anything, from any manufacturer.

The 3 is the car Tesla needs to get right, and it looks like it is on track, but it has real competition in the sub $40k range, unlike the S and X. Beyond that, Tesla owners are experiencing the company's growing pains and limits to infrastructure, and that will also need to keep up with the increased sales volume the 3 will bring.

 

Same here. There will be a D model with AWD, dual motors, whatever, and that's my cup o tea. I'm reading on another site three roof choices, all metal, moonroof option, then the pano roof option. I'll take the metal. Gonna try and skimp on fluff and use the extra $ to get the dual motors and performance. I was really hoping it was a hatchback but I think they did fine with it.

Been driving electric for 2 years now, satisfied for DD duty. This 3 will work for me.

 

This 100% It is like they looked at the Porsche Panamera and asked "how can we make that uglier." Everything else looks great and this car is going to seriously change electric cars. Just that front bumper is really bad.

 

I think it's kind of cool. It reminds me of the evolution of animals, like how humans have vestigial tailbones and body hair - shadows of past features that we've evolved to not need. The protruding outline where there would normally be a grille is the same to me, which I think is very cool. And it manages to not look face/mouthless like a GM EV1.

 

I put 2 deposits down, For me and my wife.
I can always get the money back!!!

I look forward to more info but for a guy who commutes 2 hours a day this is a steal!

 

This article just posted is relevant: http://jalopnik.com/why-the-tesla-mo...end-1768333100

Cliffsnotes:
Tesla’s Range and Supercharger infrastructure is the key to how they will succeed over other electric cars.
While cars like the Bolt may have “Tesla range”, all will still be tethered to a radius surrounding the home or have long charge times at public stalls since no one else is investing in a Supercharger-type network or directly investing in compatibility with Tesla’s superchargers themselves.