Tesla shows images of ‘release candidate’ Model 3

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has released a short video of a Model 3 car, which has been described as a ‘release candidate’. The first models intended for consumers are expected to roll off the production line in the second half of this year.

Musk put the images of the Model 3 on Twitter. The short video shows the Model 3 accelerating and braking again. The Tesla CEO calls the car a release candidate, which means that it is probably close to the model that will eventually be delivered to consumers. No images from inside the car were shown.

In a series of other Twitter posts gave Musk has additional information. For example, the performance models of the Model 3 will probably only be released a year after the release. Furthermore, the Model 3 will have a single screen and the car will only be available with rear-wheel drive at launch. Only later will a version with four-wheel drive follow. Musk describes the new model as a cheaper and smaller version of the Model S.

Finally, Musk know that orders for the so-called Solar Roof, from subsidiary SolarCity, will begin next month. It will probably initially only concern the United States.