Previously, the Tesla Model 3 was said to be going through further design tweaks. Now, CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk has confirmed that it is in the final stages of design and is expected to be completed by the end of June, Teslarati reports.
Musk also revealed that the Model 3 fleet – tested by consumers and journalists at the launch event in March – were all equipped with production-spec drivetrains.
“From an engineering standpoint, we are already almost complete with the design of Model 3. So, I think we feel pretty good about engineering completion of the last items probably within six to eight weeks, thereabouts. So we’re sort of completing the final release for tooling no later than the end of June,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tesla CTO JB Straubel echoed the CEO’s statement, further stating, “the design of the vehicle (Model 3) lends itself to high-volume production very efficiently.” Straubel was referring to the company’s goal of producing a compelling vehicle with maximum production efficiency and minimised risks.
To achieve said goal, the company has implemented a stricter supplier vetting process (starting with a July 1, 2017 deadline that it has set for Model 3 suppliers) and has now increased vertical integration in its production process as well. As for parts, Tesla stated that it will be taking the production of parts in-house, just like how it had done so with the Model X’s falcon wing doors.
“I think it’s very important for us to have the ability to produce almost any part on the car at will because it alleviates risk with suppliers going back to like where if 2% of supplies is not ready we can’t make the car. Having the ability internally to adapt and make that 2% of parts internally really massively reduces risks associated with the production ramp,” Musk explained.
On the matter of manufacturing output, the company recently announced that it will be ramping up production to 500,000 vehicles per year in 2018 – two years ahead of its original aim. By 2020 however, the company has readjusted its sights and will instead be targeting at producing one million vehicles per year.
GALLERY: Tesla Model 3
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Looking at the red coloured on the back, reminds me of Preve
Tesla is a real game-changer of the auto world. Forcing the big lazy established brands to take a hard look into electric vehicles that can rival the carbon-fuelled ones. Hydrogen is too exotic in the sense that a vast amount needs to be spent on research and infrastructure building. Electric has a long history of being operational. What should be hydrogenified are the electric powerplants. Not cars as the same hassle of liquid fuel transport, storage and safety would have to be solved – again. The key is vastly improving battery capacity and practicality – things that Tesla has been working on feverishly for some time now. People who can afford Tesla currently should get behind this company and its revolution to jump-start carbon-footprint elimination in personal mobility. And then we can start weaning off petroleum burning in other places too.
Tesla will be a cash cow in SG, cuz each and every Tesla user will have to pay high emission tax ‘donation’ to beloved PAP every month for excessive emission from their no emission car.
All hail LK… oh wait… LHL!