Tesla updates Model 3 configurator in preparation for more options

As the headline of our Tesla Model 3 review states, the vehicle is “a promise delivered“, but there’s one part of that promise that hasn’t fully materialized yet: the $35,000 base price.

Several standard features are still not in production, which is significantly increasing the current base price of the Model 3.

But Tesla updated the Model 3 online configurator today and it appears to be in preparation for more options.

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In terms of pricing, the main problem is currently the battery pack.

As we reported in our exclusive first look at Tesla’s new battery pack architecture for the Model 3, Tesla has two battery pack options of roughly 50 and 75 kWh using the same architecture and modules, but with fewer cells.

Right now, only the ~75 kWh pack, which Tesla refers to as “Long Range Battery” is available for a $9,000 premium.

Along with the $5,000 premium interior package, which is also the only Model 3 interior currently in production, it pushes the base price to $49,000.

The new online configurator shows some of those options with their availability. Model 3 reservation holder Nullpointer received the invite to configure his vehicle through the new online design studio and shared screenshots with Electrek:

The standard battery pack is now listed as an option in “early 2018” and the all-wheel-drive feature in “Spring 2018.”

Those features have been delayed as part of Tesla pushing its 5,000 units per week production rate goal from December 2017 to the end of the second quarter 2018.

The configurator was also updated with a new image of the interior and a slightly updated Autopilot page.

Electrek’s Take

Delays aside, I’m fine with most of those changes and I like the fact Tesla keeps updating us with the timeline for the standard battery.

My biggest issue is with the premium upgrades package for the interior. I think Model 3 buyers can’t make a totally informed decision between ordering right now and waiting if they don’t know exactly what the interior and the features will be like.

Right now, we have to simply assume that all the “included” premium package features will not be in the standard interior, but that’s too simple of an assumption.

For example, it says that the package includes “premium interior material and open pore wood decor.” The fact that those will not be included in the standard package doesn’t tell us what they will be replaced with. I assumed that the synthetic leather will be replaced by textile, but I would like to see a non-premium interior to know for sure.

It’s not as straightforward as a 50 kWh battery pack or a 75 kWh battery pack. I don’t need to see those to know which one I want to buy.

Anyway, rant is over. Model 3 FAQ section suggests that the non-premium interior should also be available in “early 2018” so we should know soon as long as there are no more delays.

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