Pittsburghers Excited For Unveiling Of Tesla Motor's Latest Car
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The countdown is on. Tonight, Tesla Motors is unveiling its latest car; and around the world, including here in Pittsburgh, Tesla lovers were in line, waiting to make a reservation.
At 11:30 p.m., Tesla is expected to unveil its less-expensive, new-model, electric car, called the Model 3.
"I like what Tesla is doing; I like what Elon Musk is doing," customer Eddie Daniels, from Uniontown, said. "If I have to give my money to somebody, I'd like to support him and what he's looking at in the future."
Ahead of the unveiling, customers were making reservations. At Ross Park Mall in the North Hills, people were in line before the mall doors even opened.
"The current ones are rated as really good cars, and you assume they're going to be even better in the future," said Howard Katz, of Squirrel Hill, as he waited in line.
"I like Tesla cars. I think they're the perfect intersection of, if you're a tech guy and a car guy, this car is right in the middle. It's the perfect car," added Raymond Taylor, of Scott Township.
A refundable $1,000 deposit will secure your reservation, which can also be made online during the unveiling.
According to Tesla's website, production on the Model 3 should begin in 2017. There are only speculations of what the car will look like.
But its looks don't matter for Emily Bopp, who stood in line for her husband.
"I called him and I said I'd stand in line for him," she said, "so I'm going to order one for him. Well, he's going to pay for it."
Jake Pultorak already owns a Model S Tesla, and today he reserved multiple Model 3s.
"I know from experience that these guys know how to build a beautiful, performance vehicle and the safest vehicle on the road," he said.
Like all Teslas, the Model 3 will be electronic - no emissions, no oil changes, and of course, no gasoline - but it will have to be charged.
Customers can use public charging stations or one of Tesla's 600 Supercharger stations, which offer a stronger charge, in a shorter time. There's one in Cranberry Township. The base price of the Model 3 is expected to be about $35,000.
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