There were more than 325,000 Model 3 reservations made ($1,000 a pop) in the first week that reservations were open, according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. That equates to roughly $14 billion in future orders. Interestingly, less than 5% of reservation-makers put down two deposits — implying a relatively low level of speculation.
Over 325k cars or ~$14B in preorders in first week. Only 5% ordered max of two, suggesting low levels of speculation.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 7, 2016
In addition to that news, the Tesla CEO also revealed that the Supercharger will be expanded so that there’s a route leading all the way along the west coast of the US and Canada, well into Alaska. Good news for those looking for a scenic route to try long-distance Autopilot travel out on…
@jpfrappier yes, will go all the way to Alaska
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 6, 2016
Also, as reported previously, the company is taking the criticisms of the somewhat limited trunk opening seriously and intends to address the issue.
@maximumblue we will
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 6, 2016
@MThorpXXi We are working on enlarging the opening. Aperture will be big enough for almost anything.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 6, 2016
@Christiano92 @Inspron @Jerry22499879 won't be a hatchback, but we should be able to increase the opening width and height
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 4, 2016
On a related note, a Tesla rep also recently responded to an inquiry from a Reddit user about Supercharger access with the Model 3. Here are the exact words used: “All Model 3 will have the capability for Supercharging. We haven’t specified (and aren’t right now) whether supercharging will be free.”
And one final note, as far as Model 3 delivery, Musk recently commented on that (via Teslarati):
Elon has tweeted that the first Model 3 cars will be delivered to those who live closest to the factory. “Reason initial cars are delivered close to factory is to have rapid turnaround on early issues.” In other words, the first cars will serve as beta testers. Any post production quality issues can be addressed as soon as possible and changes made as required to the production process before full production begins. This may be one time when you don’t want to have the first car off the line.
A sensible approach, in my opinion. Though perhaps frustrating for those living further away.
Photo by Kyle Field | CleanTechnica
I prefer the Model 3 have a hatchback like the Model S. It’s encouraging to hear they’re going to focus on enlarging the trunk opening.
It looks like there is so much immediate Demand for the Model 3 basically as it is – a Sedan, that the ensuing Model Y – CUV (Hatchback?) – will be a bit later!
🙁 Sadly
So there is a benefit to not living in the US after all, we’ll receive it a bit later, but at least the Americans will experience the major issues first and report them.