Eight days after Tesla CEO Elon Musk set the internet ablaze with news that the Model 3 would begin production, the new budget-friendly sedan is a reality.
This was what Musk tweeted Saturday evening.
Production unit 1 of Model 3 is now built and going through final checkout. Pics soon.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 9, 2017
And then …
First Production Model 3 pic.twitter.com/TCa2NSUNI3
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 9, 2017
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 9, 2017
As for who gets the first model that’s been built, Musk said it’s reserved for whichever customer is the first to pay the full price. Musk said he owns the first Model X and the first Roadster, and now, it sounds like he’ll get the first Model 3, as well.
Ira Ehrenpreis had rights to 1st car as he was 1st to place a full deposit, but gave those rights to me as my 46th bday present. Tks Ira!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 9, 2017
@elonmusk you deserve it!!! Much love and respect for everything you do for @TeslaMotors, #Renewables, and our #planet. #nooneworksharder https://t.co/UJYTbVAIp0
— Ira Ehrenpreis (@IraEhrenpreis) July 9, 2017
The Model 3 starts at about $35,000, and Musk has said he expects Tesla to produce 20,000 units per month by December. By 2018, he expects to produce 500,000 units per year.
H/T Mashable