ELECTREK PODCAST: TESLA MODEL 3 DUAL MOTOR PRICE INCREASE, TESLA PRODUCTION, PAINT OPTIONS, AND MORE

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The Electrek Podcast covers significant Tesla news, including a price hike for the Model 3 Dual Motor AWD, which has seen multiple adjustments, now settling at $6,000. This increase, while potentially a margin grab, inadvertently boosts the value proposition of the Performance trim, which uses a similar powertrain but isn't similarly priced. The discussion also touches on Tesla streamlining production by removing paint options like Obsidian Black and Metallic Silver, a move aimed at alleviating bottlenecks in the paint shop. Production numbers are showing a strong recovery, with recent output rates suggesting Tesla is on track to meet or exceed quarterly targets. The podcast highlights Tesla's proactive measures during Hurricane Florence, offering increased battery capacity and free Supercharging to affected owners. Additionally, insights from investor tours suggest Tesla is on track to achieve its $100/kWh battery cell cost target and anticipates the shorter-range Model 3 arriving within eight months. The episode also delves into Tesla's new in-house body repair centers, designed to reduce lengthy repair times, and notes the company's fleet surpassing 9 billion electric miles.