The $35,000 Tesla Model 3 is no more.
The automaker said Tuesday that it has increased the prices of all versions of the Model 3, including a long-hyped, but short-lived variant that could be had for $35,000.
The Model 3 was billed by Tesla since its unveiling in 2016 as the electric car for the masses, sustainability at the price of most mid-size sedans. But the $35,000 version of the car just became available for order at the end of February.
Then, Tesla shut down online sales of the budget version, making it an off-menu item only available through a human salesperson keen to upsell a prospective buyer. The same process now applies for the cheapest available Tesla, but it will cost an extra $400.
The new increase is about 1 percent for the cheapest versions of the car.
So, the lowest-price version now available for order online – the version Tesla says is what an overwhelming majority of owners choose – has a bit more range and some cosmetic options that bring its price to $39,900.
Tesla explained simply in a statement that “like other car companies” it will “periodically adjust pricing and available options.”