Is The Model 3 Too Basic To Make It Long Term In The EV Market?

When they first came out - Microwave ovens had some wierd and interesting controls that were hard to figure out - I had a "Litton" that cost nearly $1000.

However - eventually they evolved into the appliance we have today - and many other things have done.

WE must understand that no matter how much we like or dislike the Tesla or Chevy EV's (and others) - that as technology catches up - and many more companies enter the market - there will be better and cheaper EVs that will supplant the early entrants into the market. People who want an EV will not be put off by the Model 3s basic configuration. Costs require it in order to feed a lower price point. But just as eventually anti-lock brakes evolved from premium car oddities to everyday cars - so will happen in EV. And either Tesla will have to produce new cars - with more features and cost less.

One must remember that there is also an additional cost in owning an EV that eliminates many possible buyers - where basically owning an EV requires having single family housing with your own garage to keep charging stations in. Putting those things at the curb are problematical since in most cities - you cannot plan to park you car in front of your house in the street - those being public places. And adding high voltage service to many houses that do not have it - or do not have enough service - costs money too.

@TomM I'm going to buy a Tesla now because it's just like a microwave. I love apples-to-oranges comparisons/analogies.

No worse than an optioned up BMW i3. Very similar look in fact and likely feel. You get what you pay for.

The dash doesn't impress me. I don't like having absolutely everything positioned in the center of the dash. I want the important driving details directly in front of me. This method only seems reasonable to allow for both left and right hand driving positions.

Now with a HUD in front of the driver, this might be more palatable. But I haven't heard of the Model 3 having one.

Like many who are interested in the Model 3 and have not seen the final car, I have some reservation about the interior based on these unofficial photos. If compared to the Leaf or Bolt EV, I think the Model 3 is still far more attractive offering.

It's only a few weeks to go until the official release of the final car, so I'd hold my opinion. I think I can get to see it in person shortly after that. My hunch is people will get used to it, just like 200000+ got used to their far more expensive Model S.

henryN, nearly every analysis observes that the average price of a Model 3 will be between $42-50,000. Look at the prive history of the Model S or X. The base price car does not exist. A loaded with everything Bolt barely crosses $40,000.

And the interior is not just minimalist, it looks cheap. the steering wheel is all black platic.

The iPhone is an apt comparison, competitors have better technology for lower prices, but people are enamored by the celebrity of the company leader.

After the initial pent-up demand for Model 3s is met, and *assuming* sales go flat or decline, it'll be difficult to tells if sales decline is due to be "too basic" or quite simply, low EV demand.

I suggest we wait to see how Model 3 *sales* (not just orders) actually go before we start guessing about why they're declining.

Not sure that I'd call it basic but it is ultra modern, which isn't for everyone. And having zero information in front of me and having it all on the monitor at the center would really be an adjustment. As fast as the Model S is and the Model 3 will probably promise to be, they aren't driver's cars at the end of the day. So the feel from the driver's seat will be much different.

HenryN, how can you think this interior is better than the Bolt EV? The Bolt is also less expensive and to my eye is more attractive.

Based on the base price, the Model 3 is cheaper - provided no change when it's released - $35K for the 3 versus $37.5 for the Bolt. These are well published facts by the manufacturers, why would you say the Bolt is less expensive ?

These numbers don't include options (add) or incentives such as factory/dealer discounts or tax rebates(subtract).

I also said "more attractive" which is entirely subjective - no ambiguity there either. I was simply stating my opinion based on my in-person assessment of the Bolt and Leaf.

I know three Bolt owners, I like the Bolt and they like it as well. However, it is still very much a traditional interior and it does feel cluttered. Once you get used to the Tesla UX, there really is no going back. Aesthetically, I like this more and it will be helpful to see the final photos as opposed to dirty release candidates.

The original iPhone was also super basic compared to every other phone when it was released. Clean and simple is the future or car design, especially as we head towards autonomy.

personally i am not a fan of this Tesla from looks POV.
do have a question about speedo.. is that info on the center panel?
i am sorry officer i couldn't tell how fast i was going because i couldn't see it?
i am assuming there is heads up or something that is not visible in the pics.

The speedo is in the left panel of the screen, very close to the steering wheel. Positioning is similar to a Prius, it is nothing that you wouldn't get used to after driving in it for a little bit.

We have to see the final car (soon), Tesla is still hiding something.

I'm just curious: Is there anything this company can do or produce or launch that the maroons in the forum would like? I don't think there is short of Musk announcing that he just bought a Hyundai to drive to the office.

Exterior it is a cute car but the interior looks like it was designed by Ikea. FAIL.

The single screen is brilliant, at least 5-8 years lead. One reason auto board rooms are sweeting over Tesla.

The single screen is sheer stupidity because now the driver will be even more distracted given she sheer number of commands that will have to go through the screen.

The only boardroom sweating over Tesla is Tesla's board room worried about how long they can keep with swindle going.

Large screen means essential controls are always available, along with voice commands means far less distraction than typical interfaces. Classic less is more.
Have you missed the articles about German auto boards or the Ford ouster? It is not just that the diesel direction has turned into a dead-end. Nearly every brand is trying to catchup.

Exactly, this is what future cars will look like. It will also reduce costs and warranty repairs since the screen is really consolidating dozens of components.

How can anyone look at what Tesla has done and not marvel at the innovation and be impressed that they have gone from 0 to competing with the industry's best in 10 years - and winning. It's astonishing. It's genius. It's the future. Embrace it or hate it, but it's the future.