Tesla Model 3 Release Date News: Automaker Temporarily Shuts Down Factory to Prepare for Preproduction of Sedan This Month
Tesla has made a name for itself by offering sporty yet eco-friendly electric vehicles; however, the automaker also has a reputation for constant delays in production and deliveries. Most notably, it took three years before the Model X crossover was made available to customers. Despite an inconsistent track record, there is reason to believe that the company will be able to meet its initial schedule for the release of the Model 3 sedan.
Tesla has announced that it will temporarily shut down its assembly facility in Freemont, California for a week this month to prepare for the production of the Model 3. This "brief, planned" pause would allow the facility to perform general maintenance and add capacity to its paint shop.
"This will allow Tesla to begin Model 3 production later this year as planned and enable us to start the ramp towards 500,000 vehicles annually in 2018," a Tesla spokesman told Reuters.
All eyes are currently on Tesla to see if they will be able meet their much-publicized release schedule for the upcoming all-electric sedan. The Model 3 has become one of the most-anticipated vehicles from Tesla as it was unveiled last year with a starting price of $35,000 — significantly cheaper than Tesla's other offerings. An initial reservation fee of $1,000 has resulted in 373,000 preorders, which Tesla will have to deliver in the next year or so.
Based on the company's latest statements, it does seem that they are on track to meet their deadline. Reports have stated that Tesla is planning to begin preproduction of the upcoming all-electric sedan by Monday, Feb. 20.
This initial test-building phase will allow the automobile manufacturer to identify any issues that might hamper the production process. Tesla is then said to begin production of the Model 3 in July.
According to Business Insider, the next few months will be crucial for Tesla. With their specific schedule, customers should expect to see prototypes of the Model 3 testing by March or April.
The publication mentioned that Tesla's previous experiences with the Model X and the Model S will help them hasten the production of the Model 3. Unlike the ambitious design of the delayed Model X, the Model 3 has a much simpler design so production of the sedan can be completed at a much faster rate. Also, the use of steel instead of aluminum and the streamlining of interior components will also speed up the production process.
With these strategies in place, it's possible that the Model 3's launch may even be earlier than expected, specifically during the third quarter of 2017. Meanwhile, production will be in full force by mid-2018.
