The first Tesla Model X deliveries will begin next month, Model 3 to be shown early 2016

By Miles Branman August 6, 2015

tesla model x 2012 — Model X Prototype Image used with permission by copyright holder

It seems like ages ago that Tesla introduced the concept version of its Model X crossover … and it kind of was. At the Geneva Motor Show in 2012, the automotive world was shown a gull-winged electric crossover and promised production would happen in 2014.

Multiple delays later, the first deliveries of the Tesla Model X (gullwing rear doors and all) will take place in September. Tesla has been producing “release candidate” Model X bodies in its new body shop (which is equipped with 500 robots) and has just conducted a one-week plant shutdown at its Fremont factory to accommodate the shared use of the general assembly line for both the Model S and Model X. Pricing for the Model X is not clear, but its presumed to be somewhere around the Model S’s $69,900 starting figure.

As for the highly anticipated Model 3, Tesla will reportedly reveal the production version in the first quarter of 2016 before deliveries begin in late 2017. Yes, that’s a good chunk of time for interested consumers to grow impatient.

Also mentioned within Tesla’s second quarter 2015 shareholder letter, the electric automaker produced 12,807 vehicles in Q2 of this year, which surpassed expectations and set a record for Tesla. 11,532 of those vehicles were delivered.

The company also “recognized revenue of $20 million” from its new used-car sales program. Revenue was up nearly 40 percent from a year ago, to $1.2 billion for this past quarter. However, as has been the case since the beginning, Tesla operated at a net loss from working through $184 million in research, development, and construction expenses.

Tesla’s greatest hope is that the Model 3 will open the brand to a massive set of new customers and will bring the automaker to profitability, but continuing costs related to development of the supercharger network, infrastructure build-out, and battery testing stand between Tesla and positive cash flow.

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There are finally some more electric sedan options. For years, the Tesla Model 3 was really the only good electric sedan that comes at a reasonable price -- until, Hyundai recently launched the Ioniq 6. The Ioniq 6 certainly takes some cues from the larger Ioniq 5, but is smaller and sleeker, with a design seemingly inspired by the Porsche 911.

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A 2021 Tesla Model S.

Tesla has launched more affordable versions of its Model S sedan and Model X SUV in the U.S. and Canada, though they come with shorter driving ranges. Deliveries of the new vehicles will begin next month.

The new Model S "standard range" vehicles cost $78,490 and offer a range of up to 320 miles (515 kilometers), which is considerably shorter than the pricier regular dual-motor and tri-motor Plaid versions that feature a range of 405 miles and 396 miles, respectively, Reuters reported.

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The front view of a red Hyundai Ioniq 6.

EVs of all shapes and sizes are finally coming, but not in equal measure. While we now have a solid array of midsize crossovers (like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6), sedans and SUVs aren't quite there yet. Sure, we have expensive sedans and SUVs, like the Rivian R1S and the Lucid Air, but if you're looking for a car for your small family and don't want, or can't afford, to spend a ton of cash, your options are limited.

But that's changing -- and there's a new car that, at least right now, makes a serious case for itself. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the best electric sedan for the masses, and it goes right up against the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. With a base price of $41,600, the Ioniq 6 is right in the same league as the $40,240 Model 3 and $48,400 Polestar 2.
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When it comes to lower-priced electric sedans, before now, there were really only two options: the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2. Other sedans exist, but they're not accessible by the majority of drivers. I recently reviewed the Lucid Air Grand Touring and loved it -- but I'm not spending $138,000 on a car unless I win the lottery.