Gates open for Tesla Model 3

AN AUSTRALIAN or New Zealander is likely to be the first person anywhere in the world to order a Tesla Model 3, with the official March 31 opening date arriving first Down Under thanks to Australia and New Zealand’s international date line proximity.

Tesla’s fourth model is yet to officially break cover along with any technical or aesthetic details, but the North American electric vehicle manufacturer is expecting customers to stump up a $1500 deposit in blind faith, when the order book opens at the end of March.

Trusting fans will be able to put in an online order from the start of the live unveil at 2:30pm AEST on April 1 but local customers can jump the gun by visiting one of Tesla’s stores or service centres from their opening time on March 31.

A regional queueing system will ensure a first-come, first-serve policy but existing Tesla owners will be given preferential treatment with positions toward the front of the line.

“The fastest way to buy a Model 3 is to buy a Model S or Model X,” the company says.

Despite Australians being the first to place an order, local cars have been pushed to the bottom of the pile and deliveries will follow North America and Europe. Production starts in 2017.

Pricing, like all Model 3 particulars is being kept under wraps, but it is understood the car will sell in the United States for about $US35,000 ($A46,000), but that cost is likely to be adjusted for our far-flung country.

Wannabe Model 3 owners have the choice of one service station each in Melbourne and Sydney, which open for business at 8:00am, while Tesla stores based in Melbourne and Brisbane open an hour later.

Like its Model S and Model X larger siblings, the Model 3 will be purely electrically driven and is expected to take on the like of BMW’s 3 Series.