It’s no secret that the Tesla Model 3, the more affordable electric vehicle from the carmaker, is a source of frustration for the company’s CEO Elon Musk. Even with the headaches and layoffs, Tesla took a step to meet its production goals on Saturday.
Musk tweeted on Saturday a picture of the first Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Performance vehicle. The performance model has a higher top speed and faster acceleration than other Model 3s along with a few extras. Another item to note in the picture is the location. As evident by the sunlight, this is a new production line created at the Tesla plant in Freemont, California. More specifically, it’s in a tent just outside of the main plant and measures approximately 900 feet. Satellite images of the plant show the tent was constructed between May 30 and June 3.
“Amazing work by Tesla team,” Musk tweeted. “Built entire new general assembly line in 3 weeks w minimal resources. Love u guys so much! Pic of 1st Model 3 dual motor performance coming off the line.”
The performance version of the Tesla Model 3 retails for $78,000, which is a big jump from the $35,000 of the base version. For that extra money, the Model 3 dual motor will have a range of 310 rather than 220 miles, a top speed of 155 miles per hour instead of 130 mph, and go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, more than two seconds faster than the base model. Other extras with the performance model is a carbon fiber spoilers and performance wheels. Musk said the dual motor edition could receive additional upgrades in the future to make it go even faster.
With a new production line up and running, Tesla will likely see an increase in production. That is if all things go according to plan.
Earling in June, Tesla’s shareholder meeting started with tension as some did not approve of Musk’s leadership. However, shareholders voted in an overwhelming majority to keep him as CEO and he said at the meeting that the carmaker will reach the goal of 5,000 Models 3s produced per week by the end of June.
