Tesla unveils $35,000 standard Model 3, shifts worldwide sales to online-only

Tesla made two huge announcements today:

1. The early-promised, long-awaited $35,000 Model 3 is now available to buy

This is big as $35,000 is the generally considered as amount that the average consumer can afford. Pricier versions of the Model 3 have already sold in such numbers that the Model 3 has become the #1 selling vehicle from a US brand, electric or gas. Now that the price-point has been brought down even more, it's conceivable that the Model 3 has a chance to be the #1 best selling car period.

Beyond sales, this is arguably more important as a milestone in renewable energy-powered vehicles' mainstream adoption. Tesla's mission "to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable transportation and energy", while still small in absolute terms is gaining ground rapidly in relative terms to all previous efforts. Paradigms are indeed changing at an increasing pace, which brings us to the next announcement...

2. All sales globally are now online-only

Tesla pioneered the online ordering of cars, which ran parallel to its more traditional brink-and-mortar stores w/ showrooms. Now in order to achieve the cost-cutting needed to make a $35,000 Model 3 feasible, Tesla's network of stores will experience one of two fates: either close down completely or transition to simply a showroom for the vehicles.

This of course will now make test rides that much more rare and valuable before a purchase. In order to mitigate the need for a test ride, Tesla is extending the return policies on its vehicles. New customers will be able own a car for a week and drive for 1,000 miles and still return it for a full refund if they don’t like it, Musk said.

Click here for more information on this and here to purchase your $35,000 Model 3 online now!

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