ELECTREK PODCAST: TESLA DELIVERS PROMISED $35,000 MODEL 3 - BUT AT A COST, AND MORE CRAZINESS

EV Channels Review

The Electrek Podcast discusses the long-awaited launch of the $35,000 Tesla Model 3, a significant milestone in the company's original master plan. While the base model's arrival is celebrated, the podcast highlights the controversial method of achieving this price point: closing retail stores and shifting to online-only sales, which impacts employees. The review notes that the $35,000 Model 3 comes with a standard interior and a reduced range (220 miles), with Tesla seemingly encouraging buyers towards the slightly more expensive 'Standard Range Plus' with a partial premium interior. The discussion also touches upon the new firmware updates for existing Model 3s, promising increased range and power, and the de-bundling of Autopilot features, moving some to the 'Full Self-Driving' package. The podcast also covers significant price drops for the Model S and Model X, the ongoing SEC investigation into Elon Musk's tweets, and a critical comparison with the new Nissan Leaf Plus, suggesting the Model 3 remains the more compelling option for many buyers despite Nissan's improved range.