Tesla reveals Model 3, priced from around £25,000 in the United States

Tesla has announced details of its new, more affordable electric car – the Model 3. Priced from $35,000 in the United States, around £25,000, the Model 3 is available to reserve now with a $1000 deposit. Deliveries will start in late 2017.

The Model 3 has a maximum range of at least 215 miles on a charge. The battery supports the network of free Tesla ‘Superchargers’ which provide around 170 miles of range after 30 minutes charging, plus there are so-called autopilot features which permits semi-autonomous driving.

0-60mph takes roughly six seconds. That’s a very impressive number for a five-seat family car, but it’s some way behind the 0-60mph spring of the Model S, which is around two seconds in the highest performance mode. That’s indicative of the cost-cutting that goes into making the Model 3 the most affordable Tesla.

Tesla boss Elon Musk says the Model 3 will have the safest car and will have the most spacious cabin in its class. Up front the Model 3 features a large touchscreen which displays all important information like speed and range, but also controls in-car functions like ventilation and audio. Aside from the screen there is nothing else to clutter up the interior, making it appear clean and spacious.

The Model 3 will be built in the United States at the Tesla ‘Gigafactory’, which, aside from sounding like the base of operations for a Bond villain, is said to be the largest building on earth in terms of footprint.