Tesla is one of the most well-known EV manufacturers in the world. Headlined by Elon Musk, Tesla offers a range of four electric vehicles, with more in the pipeline. Tesla cars face high demand wherever they are sold.
That is because the brand has built a reputation for offering a different EV experience, focused on simplicity, technological advancement, and sheer performance.
Let’s find out how much your favorite Tesla will cost, and learn a bit about the company, Tesla, Inc. We’ll go over their model range, the company’s history, and answer some burning questions that you may have about Teslas.
At a Glance
Tesla offers four models, namely the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. They’ve also got the Cybertruck which just went on sale, and there’s a new Tesla Roadster in the offing. Let’s find out more about Tesla’s pricing in this section.
Tesla Prices
Tesla’s pricing strategy is set to offer a realistic alternative to similar gas-engined cars. That’s why you’ll find all Tesla’s cars to be priced at under six figures, even for the most high-performance variants. In fact, you can own a Tesla for under $40,000 (outright purchase).
How Much Does Tesla Cost?
The Tesla range starts at $38,990 for a base Model 3, and goes up to $94,990 for a Model X Plaid. However, these prices can be higher if you choose to spec your Tesla with options or customize it. The price can also vary depending on market conditions.
What is the Most Expensive Tesla?
The most expensive Tesla is the Model X Plaid. It starts at $94,990. This model offers a tri-motor configuration with 0-60 in just 2.5 seconds. The Model X also features special falcon doors that can do choreographed ‘dance’ sequences in conjunction with the vehicle’s head and taillamps.
How Much is the Cheapest Tesla?
The cheapest Tesla is the base Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive variant. It starts at just $38,990. This Model 3 can still do 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, highlighting the company’s focus on accessible and thrilling performance.
This Model 3 variant is also available to be leased in the USA for as low as $329 per month.
About Tesla
History of Tesla
Tesla is a twenty-year-old company. It was incorporated on 1st July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. They aimed at creating an automaker who was also a technology company.
In 2004, the company raised funding, including $6.5 million from Elon Musk. Musk joined the company as Chairman of the Board, as the largest shareholder.
Tesla’s first product was its first-generation Roadster, which ran between 2008 and 2012. The company launched the Model S luxury sedan in 2012. Today, Tesla is a public company that also produces and sells energy storage products, as well as a commercial vehicle called the Tesla Semi.
Understanding Tesla EV Range
Tesla’s vehicles are designed to have a moderate range, while accepting a variety of fast charging options. The shortest range can be found on the Model Y Rear Wheel Drive variant, quoted at 260 miles.
The longest range is provided by the Model S, with 405 miles. Typically, Tesla’s average range is quoted at around 300-330 miles. However, range may be affected by driving style, use of in-car amenities such as the infotainment system, heating and air conditioning, as well as ambient temperatures.
Interesting Facts About Tesla
Did you know these things about Tesla? Well, now you will.
- The company is named after Nikola Tesla, widely considered the father of alternating current (AC). Nikola Tesla is also credited with involvement in wireless technology and postulating the idea of solar power.
- Switching off a Tesla doesn’t totally disconnect it or shut it down. Rather, the car enters a ‘sleep’ mode. In this mode, it can still receive updates. In fact, Teslas tend to update during this time to ensure minimal disruption when they are required to be driven.
- Teslas can update with minimal to no user intervention. Most of the time, you won’t even know it has updated, unless the company has released new features, which they do from time to time.
- If you arrange the letters of the company’s four models in a certain order, it read S3XY, or ‘SEXY’.
- Tesla didn’t only develop electric cars, they also created a fast-charging network, called Superchargers, across the USA and other countries. The Superchargers can top up a Tesla’s battery in the same amount of time it would take you to enjoy a coffee.
- The company has come perilously close to bankruptcy on more than one occasion, but has always managed to raise cash and emerge stronger than before. That is why Tesla is considered to be financially strong, and highly rated by independent rating agencies.
Where is Tesla Made?
The most famous Tesla facility is the Gigafactory Texas in Austin, Texas, where the company’s current headquarters are. However, this isn’t the only Tesla factory, or the oldest.
The Freemont factory is more historic and makes all four Tesla vehicles. There are other factories in the United States as well, however these manufacture components such as batteries and automotive components.
Tesla has two factories in China. The Gigafactory Shanghai makes the Model 3 and Model Y, while the Tesla Shanghai Supercharger factory manufactures Supercharger units. Tesla is planning a third factory in China for making Powerwall solutions.
The company has a Gigafactory in Berlin, Germany, which makes the Model Y for the European market. Tesla is planning to open a Gigafactory in Mexico as well.
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Tesla Models
Tesla currently has a five model line-up, with future models planned for 2024 and beyond. Each Tesla model comes with the brand’s signature minimalistic interior that is dominated by a large touchscreen.
Some models can seat up to seven occupants. Let’s discover how much each Tesla model costs, and the variants available.
2024 Model 3 Prices: the “Cheapest” Tesla
The Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla, with the rear-wheel-drive variant costing under $40,000. There’s also a Long Range variant, and a Performance model.
| Variant: Rear-Wheel-Drive | Starts at: $38,990 | RWD/AWD: RWD | Range: 272mi | Seats: 5 | 0-60: 5.8s | Top Speed: 140mph |
| Variant: Long Range | Starts at: $45,990 | RWD/AWD: AWD | Range: 333mi | Seats: 5 | 0-60: 4.2s | Top Speed: 145mph |
| Variant: Performance | Starts at: $50,990 | RWD/AWD: AWD | Range: 315mi | Seats: 5 | 0-60: 3.1s | Top Speed: 162mph |
Tesla Model Y Prices
The Model Y is a midsize SUV introduced in 2020. It is based on the Model 3’s platform, and comes in three forms.
| Variant: Rear-Wheel-Drive | Starts at: $43,990 | RWD/AWD: RWD | Range: 260mi | Seats: 5 | 0-60: 6.6s | Top Speed: 135mph |
| Variant: Long Range | Starts at: $48,990 | RWD/AWD: AWD | Range: 330mi | Seats: 7 | 0-60: 4.8s | Top Speed: 135mph |
| Variant: Performance | Starts at: $52,490 | RWD/AWD: AWD | Range: 303mi | Seats: 5 | 0-60: 3.5s | Top Speed: 155mph |
Tesla Model S Prices
The Model S is Tesla’s longest-running nameplate. It is a full-size luxury sedan with plenty of performance and technological features. The Model S set the template that Tesla’s other vehicles follow to this day.
It is available in two forms. The tri-motor equipped Plaid needs optional hardware upgrades, including high-speed-rated tires, to achieve its 200mph top speed.
| Variant: S | Starts at: $74,990 | RWD/AWD: AWD | Range: 405mi | Seats: 5 | 0-60: 3.1s | Top Speed: 149mph |
| Variant: Plaid | Starts at: $89,990 | RWD/AWD: AWD | Range: 396mi | Seats: 5 | 0-60: 1.99s | Top Speed: 200mph |
Prices for 2024 Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is the brand’s first SUV. It sits on the Model S platform, and is renowned for its trick falcon doors. The Model X is available in regular and Plaid forms.
| Variant: X | Starts at: $79,990 | RWD/AWD: AWD | Range: 348mi | Seats: 7 | 0-60: 3.8s | Top Speed: 155mph |
| Variant: Plaid | Starts at: $94,990 | RWD/AWD: AWD | Range: 333mi | Seats: 6 | 0-60: 2.5s | Top Speed: 163mph |
Potential Cost of Upcoming Tesla Models: Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck is notable for its unconventional styling and value proposition. Now on sale in the United States, it is offered in three variants. Buyers can currently purchase the all-wheel-drive and Cyberbeast variants.
The rear-wheel-drive is slated to be introduced later in 2024. Tesla offers an optional range extender for some variants. Highlights of the Cybertruck include its 18.5-inch touchscreen in the cabin, as well as a 9.4-inch rear entertainment screen.
The truck can tow up to 11,000 pounds, and offers nearly 121 cubic feet of cargo space.
| Variant: Rear-wheel-drive | Starts at: $60,990 | RWD/AWD: RWD | Range: 250mi | Seats: 5 | 0-60: 6.5s | Top Speed: 112mph |
| Variant: All-wheel-drive | Starts at: $79,990 | RWD/AWD: AWD | Range: 340mi | Seats: 5 | 0-60: 4.1s | Top Speed: 135mph |
| Variant: Cyberbeast | Starts at: $99,990 | RWD/AWD: AWD | Range: 320mi | Seats: 5 | 0-60: 2.6s | Top Speed: 130mph |
2nd Generation Roadster
The second-generation Tesla Roadster is tipped to be released around 2024 or 2025. The price is currently not known, although Tesla is taking a $50,000 deposit for reservations.
The Roadster is said to offer 0-60 in 1.9 seconds, and a claimed top speed of over 250mph. Tesla also lists the range at approximately 620 miles.
What About the Tesla Semi?
The Tesla Semi is a fully-electric semi truck. It can haul up to 82,000 pounds, and accelerate from 0-60 in 20 seconds when pulling a full load. On its own, the Tesla Semi can do a blistering 5-second 0-60 sprint.
Tesla claims that the Semi will offer an estimated 500-mile range. Charging will be accomplished via Tesla’s proprietary Semi Chargers, that claim to replenish 70% of range within 30 minutes. The Tesla Semi is also notable for its central driving position that offers a commanding view of the road ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tesla
Sources:
- https://www.tesla.com/
- https://www.tesla.com/models
- https://www.tesla.com/model3
- https://www.tesla.com/modelx
- https://www.tesla.com/modely
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla%2C_Inc
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Tesla_factories
- https://electrek.co/2023/12/01/2023-tesla-prices-how-much-does-your-favorite-model-cost/
- https://insideevs.com/features/534430/tesla-car-cost/
