New Tesla model debuts in LA

A DESIGN studio in Los Angeles was the site where Tesla Motors unveiled its highly-anticipated Model 3 aimed at bringing electric driving to the mass market in 2017. 

At less than half the cost of Tesla’s previous Model S and X, the latest release will sell from $35,000 (€31,000) in the US, and manage 215 miles on a full charge. 

The move represents the climax of a long-held dream held by Tesla mastermind Elon Musk of bringing electric vehicles to the masses. A goal funded by the sales of luxury ecological cars to environmentally minded celebrities with money to burn.

Seating five adults, auto-pilot self-driving features, and a large touchscreen panel, the Model 3 will be able to reach 60mph from a dead stop and boasts a sleek design with a panoramic glass roof. 

Huge lines of eager buyers have attended Tesla stores across the country to put down deposits in scenes more reminiscent of a smartphone launch or film premiere. 

Experts think that the Model 3 could be the car that changes market dynamics from a tiny minority of electric vehicles to a viable alternative and powerful rival to traditional transport.