Elon Musk Teases Tesla SUV, Sheds Light on Model 3 Production

Elon Musk Teases Tesla SUV, Sheds Light on Model 3 Production
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Tesla CEO Elon Musk teased the Model Y sports utility vehicle and shed some light on production schedules for the upcoming Model 3 at the company’s annual shareholder meeting on Tuesday.

Musk offered a cryptic first glimpse at the Model Y SUV crossover and stated that the vehicle is slated for a general 2019 release. Other than that, Musk didn’t reveal any additional information about the car or its design — other than to mention that its demand is even higher than the Model 3, the Washington Post reported. Musk also teased Tesla’s upcoming electric semitruck event in September, stating that he’d “really recommend showing up for the semitruck unveiling. Maybe there’s a little more than we are saying here.”

In addition to showing up new models, Musk gave an update on Tesla’s highly anticipated, entry-level Model 3. The Palo Alto-based company will begin producing the Model 3 in July, and plans on bumping up production of all its electric vehicles from 85,000 to half a million by 2018. The Model 3 is scheduled for an official unveiling next month, and Tesla has seen unprecedented consumer demand for the vehicle. Reportedly, consumers who pre-order a Model 3 now won’t see their car until late 2018.

Tesla is reportedly hoping to offset the high demand with a streamlined production process. Early adopters of the Model 3 will only be able to choose certain variable options, such as color and wheel size. Once production ramps up, customers will be able to choose between other configurations — but Tesla’s main goal in the meantime is get as many cars on the road in the first production round as possible.

The all-electric Tesla Model S will be priced at $35,000 (significantly cheaper than the company’s other vehicles), and will have a total range around 346 miles per charge.

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