technology

Here we have it — Tesla’s Model 3

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It’s finally arrived! Tesla’s highly-anticipated Model 3 is here, and with over 130,000 preorders and counting, people are jumping on the Model 3 bandwagon.

At $35,000, Tesla’s Model 3 is meant to bring the company’s electric vehicle technology to the masses.

 

Tesla says the base vehicle will do 0-60 in less than 6 seconds, with versions that are able to go “much faster”. Range on the Model 3 is slated to be at least 215 miles, and will include support for Tesla’s high-speed Supercharging network, since “it’s about going where you want to go”, according to Musk. Tesla is hoping to have a total of 7,200 Superchargers by the end of 2017, when the Model 3 launches.

Speaking of production – the Model 3 is not expected to begin production until the later part of 2017, and the first Model 3 recipients will be on the West Coast of North America, with deliveries then moving to the East Coast, and finally, overseas.

A big change for Tesla is the touchscreen inside the Model 3 – the Model S has a 17-inch portrait touchscreen, while the Model 3 has a 15-inch landscape one. Autopilot hardware is standard, and all safety features will be active automatically, in addition to the Model 3’s 5-star safety rating all around.

For a small downpayment of $1,000, Tesla will take your preorder for the Model 3.  To cope with the increased production numbers, Tesla is planning to more than double the size of their dealership and service network by the end of next year.

Tesla has certainly come a long way — founded in 2003, they first came out with the Tesla Roadster. At the time, the Roadster was the first highway-capable all-electric vehicle in production. In a 2006 blog post, Tesla cofounder Elon Musk wrote:

So, in short, the master plan is:

  1. Build sports car
  2. Use that money to build an affordable car
  3. Use that money to build an even more affordable car
  4. While doing above, also provide zero emission electric power generation options

Don’t tell anyone.

So, it looks like he’s well on his way with his master plan – we can’t wait to see the Model 3 on the roads!

Watch the full video of the Model 3 unveiling at teslamotors.com/model3.

As Technology Advances, Volvo Stays On Pace.

We all remember the days when cars had only a little metal key. Eventually, laser cut keys were made; fast forward a few years and cars with push button start using a key fob were the next big thing. The push button start feature comes with many pros, the major one being never having to take your key out of your pocket to open the doors and start the car. But, what if you’re getting tired of carrying around keys in your pocket?

Volvo has the answer, but there is still one major question to ask. What is the one thing you can almost guarantee that every person walking down the street has, long before they even get their learners permit?

Answer: a smartphone.

Volvo has set off a trial run on manufacturing keyless cars using three things that almost everyone use today: bluetooth, a smartphone and an app! With these simple features, Volvo is looking to perfect the next big thing in the automotive industry. Just so you are not deterred from purchasing a Volvo if you are not too technologically inclined, Volvo plans to still offer physical keys for their customers.

The Bluetooth enabled app will give the cars owner a “digital key” that they will be able to share with other people that also use the app, like family members who will also use the car. Not only will it be useful for families that share a car, but it can also be utilized for rental car companies that will be able to send a digital key to the app. Volvo’s app will also able to control door locks and engine starting/stopping.

Having an app on a phone to control your car does cause concern for battery life for the phone but Martin Rosenqvist, New Car Director of Special Products at Volvo Cars says, “Our app has marginal effect on battery life”. The concern for a phone breaking or being misplaced is also bothersome as to how that gets resolved. Rosenqvist is also quoted saying, “If you lose your car key you need to go to the Volvo dealer, if you lose your phone you have to get a new phone. You can acquire a new app on a new phone”.

If this new technology will become a production reality, there is only one way to find out. Stayed tuned with us as we plan on keeping you guys updated with Volvo’s trial of a keyless car.

Video from: The Volvo Group – Volvo Cars