Tesla is currently planning to increase the capacity of its production plant as the pre-order request for its much-awaited Model 3 continues to lengthen. But there is one huge downside - the new model has yet to be released.
As the demand for Model 3 increases, Tesla has sought to increase its assembly plant in Freemont, CA. by doubling its current capacity. The company expects to build 1 million cars a year, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Tesla has already submitted a long-term zoning proposal to Fremont's Planning Commission, requesting a permit to add 4.6 million square feet more to its currently existing 4.5 million sq. ft. factory.
Tesla will offer the Model for $35,000, and according to the automaker, the electric car can travel up to 215 miles on a single charge. But there is a major downside, according to former Tesla VP EMEA Cristiano Carlutti, as quoted by Forbes. Carlutti said Tesla is known for its delivery schedule delays, so the Model 3 - which isn't even in production yet, may not be delivered on time.
"Model S had lots of quality problems for months after the launch and some customers in Europe are still lamenting an interior quality inferior to competitors," he said. Carlutti also said the delay in production and delivery will make Tesla competitors to enter the market quickly with the right product.
That is exactly what the carmaker did. Chevrolet Bolt, a co-production effort between Chevrolet and LG Korea, will enter showrooms by the end of this year with a price tag of $37,500.
Chevrolet Bolt efficiently breezed through from concept to design, and production. The car was first introduced as a concept car in 2015 North American International Auto Show, and within two years, the car has been developed and produced swiftly. While the Tesla Model 3 was first introduced in 2014, the automaker has yet to set the exact delivery data after two years.
Tesla expects to be able to deliver the Model 3 soon by doubling the size of its production plant in Freemont, CA.
