Tesla Reveals Production Details for Model 3 EV

Tesla Motors Inc. is telling suppliers it aims to build 100,000 of its upcoming Model 3 electric sedans in 2017 and 400,000 in 2018, sources tell Reuters.

Both targets are double the original goals. Tesla says it also expects annual output of its current Model S and Model X electrics to reach a combined 100,000 units by then. Those volumes compare with the company’s record 50,000-unit output last year.

Tesla aims to launch pilot production of the $35,000 Model 3 in July 2017 and begin customer deliveries before year-end. All three of the company’s EVs will be assembled at its factory in Fremont, Calif.

But industry experts point out that Tesla’s extremely short production goals are ambitious even for seasoned vehicle manufacturers. They note there are only a few factories in North America capable of making 500,000 vehicles in one year—and each one is operated by a seasoned carmaker with decades of manufacturing experience.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has acknowledged the company won’t finalize the Model 3’s design and engineering specifications until next month. Manufacturing consultants tell Reuters it would take at least 18 months to order, build and install the machinery required to meet the company’s production targets.