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The electric carmaker Tesla released a Model 3 mass market electric car in a handoff event from the production line to their new owners. The Electric car maker’s first 30 customers - most of them employees of the company - received their cars on Friday. Chief executive Elon Musk said the Model 3 was the "best car for its cost, either electric or gasoline".

Prices start at $35,000 which the firm hopes will bring mass market interest. Past Tesla models, the "S" and "X", had a starting price of $80,000, putting them beyond the means of many.

 

The company aims to produce 5,000 units of the Model 3 a week in 2017, and 10,000 a week by 2018. Buyers ordering now are being told to expect delivery late next year. More than half a million customers have already placed deposits.

 

If Tesla can successfully produce and sell that many cars a year, it will outperform BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus in the US.

 

Tesla CEO Elon Musk wants to speed the transition to renewable energy. "For the future, the future being now, the cars will be increasingly autonomous," Mr Musk said.

 

He added that every Tesla model had the hardware needed to drive itself.

 

"You will be able to watch a movie, talk to friends, go to sleep..."

 

The Model 3's electric battery will run for 354km (220 miles) before needing a recharge, Tesla says.

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