Hopefully, the cheaper version of the Model 3 comes to market soon.

In its most recent review and test drive of the Tesla Model 3, Kelley Blue Book appreciates the car. In fact, KBB thinks it stands alone in its own class.

The Model 3 was called amazing to drive, with a great interface, stupid quick, aggressively innovative and comfortable for its size.

Video description:

“Is there a more polarizing car company or car than the Tesla Model 3? Maybe, maybe not, but whatever you think, there is much to be said about the disruption happening at Tesla. Kelley Blue Book’s Micah Muzio is never one to shy away from a little controversy, and he takes an in-depth look here at the car that a guy whose name starts with an Elo… believes would change everything.”

Watch the video for more on the Model 3.

Source: Electric Vehicle News

Tesla was interested in GM’s facilities, but without UAW involvement.

General Motors‘ move from cars to trucks and SUVs will result in several unallocated plants in the U.S. later this year. If the company does not find buyers, the plants will be closed.

According to the latest news, Tesla is not interested in the GM’s facilities because keeping UAW organization would be part of the deal. Elon Musk hinted at the possibility of purchase in December.

“GM CEO Mary Barra, speaking during an investor conference in New York, said there “have been conversations;” however, “Tesla is not interested in our GM work force represented by the UAW, so really, it’s a moot point.”

Tesla in on a rough path with the UAW at its Fremont factory, which is probably already enough for Elon Musk.

Assembly plants that will be unallocated in 2019 include:

• Oshawa Assembly in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
• Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly in Detroit.
• Lordstown Assembly in Warren, Ohio.

Propulsion plants that will be unallocated in 2019 include:

• Baltimore Operations in White Marsh, Maryland.
• Warren Transmission Operations in Warren, Michigan

Source: Automotive News

Source: Electric Vehicle News

The number of AWD Model 3 VINs is now higher than RWD

According to Model 3 VINs tracker, Tesla just registered its biggest batch of VINs so far for the Model 3 – 21,308. Interesting is that it’s estimated that 100% of them are all-wheel drive versions, while 73% are international (for deliveries outside North America – most likely Europe or China at this point).

The latest registration round brings the tally to 229,766 and as it turns out, AWD is now in the majority (115,316), compared to RWD (114,450).

Particularly, the shift towards AWD and export can be seen in January stats, as over 97% of VIN registrations are AWD and the majority (70%) are classified as international.

#Tesla registered 21,308 new #Model3 VINs. ~100% estimated to be dual motor. ~73% estimated to be International. Highest VIN is 229766. https://t.co/3YURcBa7CB

— Model 3 VINs (@Model3VINs) January 11, 2019

Source: Model 3 VINs

Source: Electric Vehicle News

It looks like a work of art, but is it worth $39,500?

Source: Electric Vehicle News

No one is shocked that China will see the largest slice of the pie.

Over the next decade, automakers will be investing heavily in electric vehicle technologies. Reuters analyzed investment and procurement budgets announced by automakers over the past two years. According to Reuters, $300 billion is currently devoted to EV technologies.

So what is fueling this move away from fossil fuels? One of the main contributors is growing consumer demand. The other primary reason is greater pressure from governments around the globe. Emission and fuel economy standards are becoming stricter. In addition, many nations are now mandating electric car sales.

At the same time, consumer demand is being boosted by longer driving range, lower battery costs and quicker charge speeds. As a result, more EVs and PHEVs will hit the streets, increasing visibility and further increasing demand for driving electric.

See It Graphed

It should come as no surprise that China is receiving the bulk of automaker’s financial investments. The country has been pushing heavily for plug-ins via EV mandates and purchasing credits. Currently, over $135 billion dollars have been announced for investments in China.

German automaker Volkswagen is leading the pack with $91 billion planned for electric car development. Volkswagen has $45.5 billion aimed at the Chinese market. Daimler ($42 billion), Hyundai/Kia ($20 billion), Changan ($15 billion) and Toyota ($13.5 billion) round out the top 5.

In contrast, early leaders in the plug-in space have announced more modest investments. Nissan, Renault and Tesla are all on the record with $10 billion. General Motors has promised $8 billion, while BMW has announced $6.5 billion and BYD plans for $3.86 billion. These lower numbers are likely because these automakers have already sunk significant amounts of money into electric vehicle technologies.

Naturally, actual spending will almost certainly be higher. The assessment does not include spending by automotive suppliers, technology companies or other organizations that might work with automakers. For the full breakdown by automaker, check out the link below.

Source: Reuters

Source: Electric Vehicle News

Reigning ABB FIA Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne says he has changed his approach to races from his title-winning campaign for the 2018/19 season.

Source: Electric Vehicle News

Thousands are already produced and soon will be sent

It seems that there is no chance to hide Tesla Model 3 shipments from the cameras’ lenses. Somehow, we lost. presents several photos of a volume shipment of Model 3 (or mostly Model 3) in California.

It seems that a four-digit number of Teslas is ready for transport by the sea to Europe (but we can’t exclude China). The ship would need at least about two weeks to reach the destination in Europe.

Die Invasion beginnt. Tausende @Tesla Model 3 machen sich gerade auf den Weg nach Europa. Bald werden es zehntausende, hunderttausende, Millionen sein. Und die deutsche Automobilindustrie schaut hilflos zu. pic.twitter.com/ojHE5cRCdN

— Somehow, we lost. (@somehowwelost) January 11, 2019

Description via Google translator:

“The invasion begins. Thousands of @Tesla Model 3 are on their way to Europe. Soon it will be tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions. And the German automotive industry looks helpless. ”

Source: Electric Vehicle News

It’s suddenly softly raining in here.

The community of Tesla owners is a special one. Sure, they can come off as overly enthusiastic about their cars at times. And, yes, when they gaze at news of the brand or its boss, Elon Musk, it can seem like their glasses are coated in all the hues of rose. Still, there exists among them a good number of generous and empathetic souls. Here, yet again, is proof of that.

A fellow posted on the Belgium and Netherlands portion of the Tesla Motors Club forum that a friend of his would like a ride in one of the California company’s cars. Apparently, he’d recently received a terminal diagnosis and realized he wouldn’t be around to witness the complete transition to electric transportation. This bucket list item, then, would give him a taste of what’s to come.

Within hours, the post had received several replies from owners able and willing to bring their vehicles to the city of Utrecht. Four days later, 3 cars had been rounded up to meet Rob and his grandkids and give them rides. We have to say, the gray Model X was especially good looking. In addition to these, another 20 vehicles showed up, forming a large convoy. Nice!

As you can see in the video above, Rob got to experience a bit of electric acceleration and visit to a Supercharger station where he experienced the simplicity of plugging in. Lots of hands were shaken and pictures taken. It looks like a good time was had by all.

Video description:

Late December Rob suddenly got news he had only months to live. He didn’t really have a bucketlist, but after we kept asking he had one suggestion: He wanted to see the future, he wanted to try “this electric Tesla car” ….

Source: YouTube

Source: Electric Vehicle News