INFOGRAPH - Tesla employee talking points

TrevP · May 22, 2017

I have some breaking info for you guys... remember, you saw it here first !!!

You won't find this on Tesla's site, it's "talking points" given to all Tesla employees for when talking to customer about the differences with Model S and Model 3

JWardell · May 22, 2017

It seems to be a rehash of what we were told last spring. If you take it literally, the surprises are only one battery choice, and no glass roof or sunroof. Numbers are not finalized though, still with the same rough estimates from a year ago, so I kind of take those conclusions with a grain of salt.

samson · May 22, 2017

TrevP said:

Very Interesting how the MODEL S and 3 talking points are compared to a HIGHEST OPTIONED MODEL S with a BASE MODEL 3.

I bet there are more columns of MODEL 3 got cropped.

Only thing I like is its atleast 184.8"

Jean Théoret · May 22, 2017

TrevP said:

Good show Mr Trevor! So I might get my M3 by Q3 2018?

Dangermouse · May 22, 2017

TrevP said:

Fascinating - thanks Trevor! Definitely a guide to up-selling the S vs. a base 3.

First time I think I have seen a Tesla-given dimension (184.8" long, I think the guess was 184.1") or an actual 0-60 (5.6 sec vs. "under 6 seconds"). They are double-dipping on cargo and passenger capacities.

KennethK · May 22, 2017

2^6 = 64 <100 configurations. and that is just binary.. or 5 colors * 2^ 4 = 80. So not many configurable items.

samson · May 22, 2017

TrevP said:

If that is the case I did a quick Permutation and combination table based on Model S options.

in order for Model 3 to be less than 100. I came up with what I think may be min requirements based on the options we know so far...
for example we have seen the Model 3 in 5 colors so far. what you guys think
.

samson · May 22, 2017

Manual Trunk and only 14 cu.ft combined ?

BMW 3 series has 13 cu.ft just with the trunk.

what happened to the frunk, the deep well in the trunk.

Come on TESLA dont chase Model 3 customers in efforts to convert them into Model S owners Please....

Dan Detweiler · May 22, 2017

TrevP said:

Am I the only one that saw raging sarcasm in this post? I think our illustrious leader is getting a little tired of all the wild speculation and came up with this "exclusive" chart to show us all of the information that has been preached from the beginning. Perhaps I am too much the cynic but I think Trevor is playing us all like a card!

Well done sir...well done!

Dan

ModFather · May 22, 2017

I find the sales sheet disingenuous. As already mentioned, it compares a top of the line MS to a Base 3. Also it doesn't mention that the Model 3 MAY be eligible for the Federal Tax credit. It also doesn't mention that the Model 3 will come standard with the all glass roof, will have newer battery technology, has a lower Cd for more efficiency, OR the comparative prices. I don't find the sheet that reliable or helpful. It is just an attempt to keep MS sales from tanking in anticipation of the Model 3. The only thing of real interest is the overall length. Tesla would be better served by comparing the MS to other cars in its class, not the Model 3.

Wait for two months when Tesla will be touting the Model 3 as the best thing since the light bulb and listing all of its advanced features that are still a secret right now.

Daliman · May 22, 2017

Thanks Trev your sources are invaluable. I have to assume these specs are for the base model and intended to push the Model S. Most of it is not out of line with expectations although I find the cargo room disapointing. I think this shows that the production ramp really did eliminate anything complex.

Dan Detweiler · May 22, 2017

el crucero said:

I find the sales sheet disingenuous. As already mentioned, it compares a top of the line MS to a Base 3. Also it doesn't mention that the Model 3 MAY be eligible for the Federal Tax credit. It also doesn't mention that the Model 3 will come standard with the all glass roof, will have newer battery technology, has a lower Cd for more efficiency, AND the smaller size makes it easier to park on the street and in the garage. I don't find the sheet that reliable or helpful. It is just an attempt to keep MS sales from tanking in anticipation of the Model 3. The only thing of real interest is the overall length. Wait for two months when Tesla will be atouting the Model 3 as the best thing since the light bulb and listing all of its advanced features that are still a secret right now.

Pretty sure that when the Model 3 comes out there will be plenty of side by side comparisons, but it won't be to a Model S. It will be head to head with all those German big boy manufacturers.

Dan

Red Sage · May 22, 2017

el crucero said:

Once again, Model S and Model X will be fine. The Model ☰ has been expected to out sell those Tesla Generation II vehicles by as much as 25:1 since 2013 (500,000 units versus 20,000 per year). Since the Model S alone has far outstripped expectations, it has already sold in excess of eight years worth of cars in only the first 4-1/2 years since its release, Tesla does not have to worry at all about cannibalization from within their own product line. Every Model S and Model X sold from this day forward is pure, thick, delicious gravy to their bottom line.

It is more likely that further improvements to Model S and Model X will be to differentiate them from their own competitors among ICE flagship vehicles that cost more. If a 135 kWh battery pack were to appear for them around this time next year, a lot of people who thought they needed 400+ miles of range would probably be a whole lot happier. And, Naysayers who complain about how the Model S performs at Nürburgring or the Autobahn would have to shut up for good, as the car would complete multiple laps at below 7:30 each while showing it was capable of sustained speeds in excess of 300 kph on the highway. Then it wouldn't be 'all about drag racing' anymore, would it?

Bokonon · May 22, 2017

el crucero said:

Completely agree. I also find it strange that "Glass Roof" was listed as a "Premium Features" exclusive to the Model S, when every Model 3 RC that we've seen has had one, and everything we know about Tesla's Model 3 production line seems to suggest that the glass roof will be standard because the car is actually easier to assemble that way... It kinda makes it seem like they were grasping at straws with that list.

Red Sage · May 22, 2017

samson said:

The 14 ft³ is interesting, I had hoped it would at least match the Honda Civic at 15 ft³ for the trunk. But I'm sure this is not 'combined' with the frunk capacity (and certainly not passenger volume). The Honda Civic is actually larger than 3-Series, A4, and C-Class and is a Midsize car, while the others are all Compact. I believe the Model ☰ will end up being Midsize as well, per EPA size classifications.

Class _________ Passenger & Cargo Volume (Cu. Ft.)
Minicompact ___ <85
Subcompact ____ 85 to 99
Compact _______ 100 to 109
Mid-Size ______ 110 to 119
Large _________ 120 or more

TrevP · May 22, 2017

My uber nerdy with numbers friend Caleb from The Tesla Show sent me his analysis on the less than 100 options...

Doing some math on the <100 options. 7 paint. 2 wheel. 2 battery. RWD only. And 3 interiors. Gets you to 84. Cutting 1 paint gets you to 72. (Assuming Autopilot isn't counted since it isn't physical)

Red Sage · May 22, 2017

Dan Detweiler said:

Maybe, idunno... There was a point that I found interesting in the list. In particular, that it specifically called out Supercharger access for the Model ☰ as being 'pay-per-use' and to my knowledge, Tesla has never officially used that terminology at all. So I was a bit heart-struck to see it written there, apparently 'confirmed'. Because that is precisely what I have argued against firmly for nearly three years. Yes, even beyond the Supercharger program being changed this past January 2017. If this was a joke, then yeah... @TrevP got me, big time. If it is accurate, then I am rather downtrodden. Because I have always expected... 'more' of Tesla.

NoVADrew · May 22, 2017

I get the point of what Tesla is trying to do with up-selling the S/anti-selling the 3, but they also need to take into account that the S isn't a financially viable (or sensical) option for 90% of Model 3 reservation holders.

That said, their current info campaign is starting to get insulting to people's intelligence, especially those who will have given the company a $1k interest-free loan for almost 2 years. For example, when someone asks on Twitter whether a tall person can fit in the 3, it's not particularly helpful for Elon to say that the guy should definitely buy the S because its bigger. There are plenty of tall people who aren't going to spend $80-100k on a car (like me) who would appreciate a better answer than that. Not to mention this new document release that compares a maxed out Model S to a base Model 3 is laughable for anyone other than a casual high-end buyer who has never looked into Tesla cars before walking into a showroom. Almost no one who already wanted a Model 3 is going to happily spend 3-4x the price for a handful of unnecessary luxury upgrades and outdated battery tech.

I can't imagine BMW buyers being thrilled if the dealer was constantly trying to talk them out of a 3 series because the 7 series offers way better performance and is slightly bigger.

MelindaV · May 22, 2017

Once the final 3 info is released, the official "tesla talking points" will be altered. This is to up-sell the S when someone comes in asking about the 3 and not anything more.
like the number of option combos alone is odd.
we know (or highly probably know) there will be 3 motor options (single/dual/P), 2 wheel options (small/large), 2 roof options (glass/sunroof), 2 seat options (black leather/textile), 2 decor options(standard/upgrade), 2 battery options (55/75)... if there are just 5 paint colors to choose from, you are up to 480 combinations. if you say there is only 1 decor and 1 roof options, still over 100 at 120 combinations.

ModFather · May 22, 2017

From Elektrek:
"The charge port also swings up instead of horizontally like on the Model S and X. You can see the hinge on the left of the connector.

Again, it doesn’t mean that it is the final design. The Model 3 release candidates are at difference stages of readiness and therefore, it’s not necessarily representative of the production version."

So here is another skeptic that the "production candidates" are not necessarily the final release model. I am open to the possibility that Elon still has some tricks up his sleeve or why not make June 2/3 the final reveal.

INFOGRAPH - Tesla employee talking points

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