Tesla has a lot riding on the Model 3, the company’s first mass-market all-electric car, that’s going to hit the production line later this year. GM’s Chevrolet Bolt is its direct competitor and while it has a lead on the new Tesla as far as production is concerned, the company’s CEO Elon Musk has hinted that the Tesla Model 3 range may be greater than that of its rival.
Musk said last year that the Model 3 would have at least 215 miles of range but is now hinting that it might be able to go further than the Chevrolet Bolt, which has an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles, on a single charge.
Musk revealed this as part of one of his usual tweetstorms yesterday in which he takes questions from the public about the plans of his companies. When asked whether the Model 3 would have more range than the Bolt, Musk simply replied: “Oh so little faith.”
This may very well be a subtle way for Musk to imply that his company’s upcoming electric car is going to provide customers with more range than its closest competitor. Since range is one of the biggest factors that comes into play for customers who consider buying an all-electric car, it would obviously give the Model 3 an edge over the Bolt.
Musk also confirmed yesterday that the maximum battery pack size for the Model 3 is going o be 75kWh because it has a shorter wheelbase than Tesla’s larger Model S and Model X cars. As standard, the Model 3 will have a 60kWh battery pack which is the same capacity as the Bolt.
Oh so little faith
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2017