Tesla Model 3 mid-range introduced

Tesla has introduced its new Model 3 mid-range battery version in the US and Canada.

“As Model 3 production and sales continue to grow rapidly, we’ve achieved a steady volume in manufacturing capacity, allowing us to diversify our product offering to even more customers,” a Tesla spokesperson says.

“Our new mid-range battery is being introduced this week in the US and Canada to better meet the varying range needs of the many customers eager to own Model 3, and our delivery estimate for customers who have ordered the standard battery is four-six months.”

Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk tweeted about the release, adding prices started as low as $30,700 after incentives and petrol savings, and around US$45,000 before incentives.

He says it’s a long-range battery with fewer cells.

The Model 3 will be available in rear-wheel drive and has an estimated 418km range and a 200km/h top speed while reaching 96.5km/h in 5.6 seconds.

It comes in a choice of premium black interior or premium black and white interior.

Meanwhile, Musk also tweeted that after reviewing Tesla’s service locations in North America it will plug gaps there within six months, and also other countries (Australia and New Zealand) where it officially operates by the end of next year.

Australia currently has four service centres – all on the east coast, and New Zealand has one in Auckland, along with mobile service centres in both countries.